Public Safety Power Shutoff

At Black Hills Energy, your safety—and the safety of our employees and communities — is our highest priority. Being prepared and protecting against wildfires is a year-round effort. As part of this effort, we’re developing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. This is a last resort safety measure to protect public safety by selectively and proactively turning off power to high-risk fire areas when weather conditions create an elevated risk of wildfire.

The primary factors used within the industry include a combination of:

Wind gust speeds
Low relative humidity

We plan to use similar criteria as other electric utilities in the industry. We do not intend to trigger a PSPS based on a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

We recognize that shutting off power, even to reduce wildfire risks, has broad impacts. We’re focused on creating processes that help keep customers and communities informed, so they can be prepared. Our goal is to have a PSPS program in place by mid-summer, ready to implement if necessary. We’ll continue to provide updates and more information, as available here on our website.

How you’ll hear from us

We intend to communicate to customers in impacted areas in advance of a potential power shutoff, but if weather conditions change quickly, power may need to be shut off with little or no notice.

PSPS event notifications will occur through:

Phone calls
Emails
Text messages
Social media
Media outlets
Our website

Preplanning for any weather-related power disruption is important. Make sure your contact information is up to date so you can receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.

Restoration

Once weather conditions have improved, our crews will begin the restoration process. If a power line is proactively de-energized during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, Black Hills Energy will not turn the power back on until conditions improve, and crews have inspected power lines. This process may result in outages lasting several hours or a few days.

Medical needs

For medical emergencies, call 911.

Have a backup plan for medicine that needs to be refrigerated or medical equipment that is powered by electricity. This could mean finding a place to go during an outage or having a backup generator.

Man looking at his smartphone while using a laptop

Update contact information

We want to help keep you informed. The best way to get important updates, safety and outage notification is to update your contact information in your online account.

Update contact information

Family gathered looking at a smart phone together

Be prepared

Are you ready for wildfires or other emergencies? A little preparation goes a long way. Learn how you can be prepared for whatever mother nature might bring.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What is a PSPS?

A PSPS involves selectively and proactively shutting off power to high-risk fire areas during extreme weather conditions until those conditions improve with the intent to prevent electrical equipment becoming a source of ignition.

Why are PSPS events necessary?

By de-energizing powerlines during hazardous conditions, we can prevent electrical equipment from becoming a source of ignition. This strategy is used as a last resort when the risk of wildfire is heightened.

How will I be notified of a PSPS?

We plan to communicate with customers before, during and after a potential event through phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, media outlets and our website. Our intent is to provide advance notice before a potential shutoff.

What factors determine the initiation of a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

The primary drivers used within the industry include a combination of wind gust speeds and low relative humidity. We plan to leverage criteria similar to others across the industry.

How can I prepare for a PSPS?

Preparation is key to staying safe during a power outage.

Update your contact information to receive safety and outage notifications
Have a backup plan for medicine that needs to be refrigerated or medical equipment that is powered by electricity. This could mean finding a place you can go during an outage or having a backup generator.
Build an emergency kit and plan and share with your friends and neighbors.

Find more ways to stay safe and be prepared.

What should I do if I rely on medical equipment that requires electricity?

If you depend on electrically powered medical equipment, it's crucial to have a backup plan in place. This may include:

Identifying an alternative power source, such as a generator.
Planning to stay with friends or family during a shutoff.