Staying Safe, Staying Connected
As your local electric cooperative, we are committed to keeping the lights on – and we do not plan to use preemptive Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on our local electric system unless the cooperative has no other option to ensure the safety of its members, employees, and system.
In extreme fire weather conditions, our regional transmission provider may temporarily shut off power to protect the broader grid and the homes and businesses on these lines. These outages, while rare, could impact parts of United Power's service area and are beyond our direct control.
Stay Prepared, Stay Connected
United Power will work to keep members informed if a public safety power shutoff is imminent. Members can take these steps today to stay informed and keep safe:
- Update your account to ensure you receive notifications from United Power
- Download the United Power mobile app or bookmark the cooperative website to reach information quickly
- Create a back-up power plan – especially if you or someone in your household relies on electric medical devices
- Keep communication devices like phones or pads charged and ready to use
How Fire Danger Could Affect Your Power
Normal Settings
On a typical day, the local grid is set to balance reliability and safety. Devices on the system can detect and “blink through” objects on power lines, like a tree branch brushing a line, without causing an outage. This may result in momentary blinks while the system automatically re-energizes the circuit.
Wildfire Safety Mode
During extreme fire danger or Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service, United Power’s system is set to the most sensitive settings. Automated devices immediately interrupt power if they detect objects like tree branches touching lines. Crews will inspect the area to ensure the line is clear before power is restored. This measure may result in more frequent or longer unplanned outages, but the extra precautions ensure the safety of the local community and electric system.
Public Safety Power Shutoff
United Power does not plan to use Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on its local system unless there are no other options to ensure the safety of members, employees, and the system. However, transmission providers that supply power to United Power may preemptively shut off power during extreme fire-risk times. While rare, these outages are beyond the co-op’s direct control. United Power is committed to attempting to contact members in the event of a planned safety shutoff and keeping members informed along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a last-resort protective measure where power is shut off during extreme weather conditions to prevent wildfires and protect communities.
United Power does not plan to initiate preemptive power shut-offs as part of its wildfire mitigation strategy unless the cooperative has no other option available to ensure the safety of its members, employees, and system. You can learn more about the other ways United Power is reducing wildfire risk here.
Due to the interconnected nature of the utility grid, a PSPS on the transmission system that delivers high-voltage power to United Power could shut off power to parts of United Power's local system.
Although rare, the highest probability of a PSPS is when extreme fire weather conditions exist. Three factors must exist for a PSPS to be considered: extreme winds, low relative humidity, and low fuel/vegetation moisture.
United Power is committed to providing members with the latest updates that it receives from its transmission providers. Warnings could be delivered to members up to 48 hours (or more if possible) before an event. However, in extreme weather circumstances, advanced warnings may not be possible and notice of an imminent PSPS may occur closer to the outage event.
United Power will attempt to contact affected members directly by email, text, and phone using the contact information on file with the cooperative. To ensure important notifications are received, members are encouraged to update their contact information.
In addition to direct communications to affected members, United Power will issue media alerts, and post information on its website, outage map, and social media channels. This page is dedicated to PSPS preparation tips, resources for members, and updates during possible events.
A PSPS would occur as a last resort during extreme weather, which can be unpredictable. The duration of each PSPS depends on several factors. Restoration after a PSPS would begin after weather has subsided and crews have patrolled high-risk areas to ensure restoration is safe and any necessary repairs are completed. Members should prepare for power to take several hours to several days to be restored.
We understand that electricity is essential for the health and wellbeing of some members. Members with medical needs are encouraged to work with their care team to determine a backup plan and to discuss these plans with their entire care circle. Back up plans could include battery backup, manual foot pumps, and in some cases, evacuation until the outage is over. Members with medical needs should also ensure their contact information is on file and current with the cooperative so they receive critical notifications.
To open your garage door without electricity, use the manual release cord to disengage the door from the opener, then lift the door by hand. Members are encouraged to reference the operating manual from their opener manufacturer and to practice manually opening their garage doors prior to an outage event.
No. Members do not incur any charges while the power is out. Members are only ever charged for the power they use.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve cold air and prevent food spoilage during a prolonged power outage. Refrigerators can keep food safe for about four hours and a full freezer for up to 48 hours. For extended outages, use coolers with ice or frozen gel packs for refrigerated foods, consider block or dry ice for a freezer, and use frozen water bottles to help maintain cold temperatures. Find more information about food safety at foodsafety.gov.
No, United Power does not accept claims for food loss due to a PSPS event. United Power works hard to provide reliable service to members, but a prolonged outage due to a PSPS event is beyond the cooperative's control. United Power's Rules and Regulations state the cooperative is not liable for loss due to interruptions in power beyond the cooperative’s control (United Power Rules and Regulations, XIII. DAMAGES TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY; B. Liability for Contingencies Beyond United Power Control). Members should follow food safety guidelines and use alternate resources to minimize food loss should a PSPS event be declared.
United Power is served by two regional transmission providers, Tri-State G&T and Xcel Energy, who deliver high-voltage power to different parts of the United Power system.
The transmission lines that serve United Power's territory are owned and operated by specific transmission providers. The provider is determined by the geographic area of the territory. It is not feasible to secure a different transmission provider in a specific area.
While undergrounding lines protects them from weather and tree damage, it is significantly more expensive to install and maintain underground lines. Additionally, it is not always a viable option due to geographical limitations like high water tables, rocky soil, or extensive underground structures.