Rocky Mountain Power implemented several measures to combat wildfire dangers, including upgrading equipment and increasing line sensitivity. To prevent the spread of wildfires or the start of new ones, the company utilized emergency de-energization by shutting off power for customers in affected areas.
When active wildfires threatened power equipment, Rocky Mountain Power monitored the fires closely while technicians evaluated the impact on infrastructure. The company stated that if a fire moved too close to equipment, they carried out emergency de-energization of power lines to avoid additional fire risk and protect first responders.
As temperatures increased and critical fire dangers led to multiple wildfires throughout the state, Rocky Mountain Power used emergency de-energization on several occasions. In Tooele County, power was briefly shut off for nearly one thousand residents near the South Mountain Fire, which spread over 1,000 acres within 24 hours of starting. Additionally, some power lines were de-energized near Scipio during the Tower Fire, which also spread rapidly over 1,300 acres.
The duration of outages caused by emergency de-energization varied based on the size, direction, and location of wildfires. Rocky Mountain Power previously warned Utahns that such outages could happen more frequently during dry years, noting that historically low snowpack, high winds, and extremely dry vegetation increased wildfire concerns across the Beehive State.
While the power company attempted to notify customers in advance of outages, they noted that quickly evolving situations could make notification impossible. The company recommended that customers prepare with emergency kits, maintain backup power sources if possible, and identify locations to go if they need to leave their homes during prolonged outages.
