Hawaii permits power outages in hazardous weather situations following Maui fire calamity.
"PSPS, or Public Safety Power Shutoffs, is a new measureimplemented by Hawaii's power companies to avoid wildfires caused by downed power lines. This program can potentially leave some residents without power during high-risk wildfire areas and extreme weather conditions. While it might be difficult for those affected, its main purpose is preventing wildfires. Starting July 1, residents in specified risky areas will be notified through media releases, social media, outage maps, or the company's website when a shutoff is imminent. However, if the weather changes rapidly, a shutoff could occur with little or no notice.
On August 8, a day when Maui experienced a major wildfire, high winds and red flag warnings were issued by the National Weather Service. Even so, the community's siren warning system didn't sound. Investigations by the state and the Western Fire Chiefs Association concluded that the wildfire disaster was worsened by lack of preparation and coordination. After defending the siren's silence, Maui County's top emergency management official resigned, citing health reasons.
The Maui government filed a lawsuit in August against Hawaiian Electric, blaming the electric company for causing the wildfires. The lawsuit claims that the electric company kept their power lines energized despite knowing that wind could knock down power lines and cause fires, as per the National Weather Service's notice.
On Wednesday, Hawaiian Electric announced designations of high-risk areas in three Hawaii counties, such as parts of Oahu's west coast, where emergency shutoffs are allowed in response to a weather emergency. About 48,000 customers are in these risky areas.
"This is a measure that is the last resort for us," said Hawaiian Electric's Vice President Jim Kelly at a news conference."
Hawaii's new power shutoff program has its roots in a similar program that has been in operation in California since 2012.
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The PSPS program, which includes power outages in high-risk wildfire areas and extreme weather conditions, is a measure implemented by Hawaii's power companies to avoid wildfires caused by downed power lines. In response to a weather emergency, Hawaiian Electric has designated high-risk areas in three Hawaii counties, where emergency shutoffs are allowed.
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