Rocky Mountain Power reported on August 28, 2026, that no communities are currently experiencing power outages due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The utility maintains these targeted outages to prevent wildfire ignition during periods of extreme heat, drought, and high winds.
Wildfire Mitigation Protocols
The utility uses a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocol to protect communities at an increased risk of wildfire. According to Rocky Mountain Power, these outages are triggered by hazardous weather conditions, such as extremely hot, dry, and windy environments. The company stated that the decision to de-energize lines is informed by robust, real-time data to ensure the action is precise and targeted.
Criteria for Power Shutoffs
Rocky Mountain Power identifies several specific factors when evaluating the necessity of a power shutoff. The company does not rely on a single factor, such as high winds, to trigger an outage. Instead, the utility analyzes a range of variables, including:
High, sustained winds
Extremely low humidity
Dry trees, brush, and other potential wildfire fuel
Population density
Real-time observations from on-the-ground experts
Input from local public safety and health agencies
Forecasted weather conditions from internal and third-party stations
Notification and Timeline
The utility follows a structured timeline to communicate potential outages to the public. When hazardous weather is forecasted, the company begins monitoring conditions three to seven days before a potential event. If extreme conditions and hazardous variables, such as extreme drought, are sustained, the utility coordinates with local officials up to two days before a possible shutoff, at which point customers receive their first notification.
Customer Communication Process
The communication process continues as conditions evolve. One day before a potential shutoff, the utility provides additional notices to customers in affected areas, detailing the reason for the potential outage, the number of customers impacted, the specific area affected, the potential timeline, and whether community resource centers will be opened. If extreme wildfire conditions persist and coordination with local officials continues, a third notification is sent to customers informing them that power will be turned off to prevent wildfire ignition.
Power Restoration Procedures
Once extreme weather conditions subside, Rocky Mountain Power crews begin the restoration process. Crews patrol power lines during daylight hours to inspect for damage or hanging debris. Power is only restored once all lines are cleared and necessary repairs are completed. Customers receive a final notification once power has been successfully restored.
Forecasting and Frequency
While the utility has increased its ability to use PSPS throughout its entire service area due to improved forecasting, it maintains that these outages are not intended to be common. Rocky Mountain Power noted that the ability to deploy shutoffs in new areas is due to maturing forecasting capabilities rather than an increase in the likelihood of use in any specific location.
Historical Context
Historically, Public Safety Power Shutoffs have been rare in the utility's service area. To date, Rocky Mountain Power has recorded only two such events: one in Beaver County, Utah, in 2022, and another in Central and Southern Utah in June 2025.
