During a PSPS watch or event, we will update our website and other communication channels with current electric-service information, and impacted members signed up for text alerts will receive SMS updates. The page will show the status, affected area, last update, next expected update, safety information, and restoration progress.
You can also follow the Co-op's official social channels and local news media. For evacuation or wildfire instructions, follow your county or Tribal emergency agency.
A PSPS intentionally de-energizes equipment before a fault occurs because of extreme wildfire risk. Flathead Electric Cooperative does not use PSPS on its own distribution system.
During elevated fire risk, we may use Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings that cause protective equipment to shut power off very quickly when it detects a fault. These settings reduce ignition risk but can result in outages that take longer than usual to restore because crews may need to patrol the line before re-energizing it.
No. We communicate about electric service. County emergency services, law-enforcement, or fire authorities issue evacuation, shelter, and road instructions. During a wildfire emergency, follow your local emergency-alert system and public-safety officials.
Operate portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. Never run a generator in a house, garage, carport, or other enclosed or partially enclosed space. Always use working carbon-monoxide alarms.
Never plug a generator into a household outlet or connect it to wiring without properly installed transfer equipment. Backfeeding can seriously injure or kill lineworkers and members of the public. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a qualified electrician. Learn more about how to safely install a generator.
How should I prepare?
If you face an immediate medical or life-safety emergency, call 911.
Remember, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service or priority restoration for an individual account. If you must have power, you must have a backup plan.
Yes. Because weather, fire conditions and system risks can change, BPA may:
We will clearly explain which stage has ended or changed and whether any interruption occurred.
Once the highest-risk weather has passed, BPA generally visually inspects a de-energized line before restoring power. A tree may have fallen into the line or equipment may have been damaged while the line was off. Re-energizing before those hazards are found could cause an ignition or other safety concern.
If BPA finds damage or vegetation concerns, crews must address them before the line can safely carry power. We will share a restoration estimate only when BPA provides information reliable enough to be useful.
The duration cannot be known with certainty when a watch or shutoff begins. It depends on:
A PSPS may end quickly if risk conditions change, or it may last many hours or even days if high-risk conditions don’t improve or system inspection or repairs are needed.
BPA’s goal is to notify customer utilities, such as Flathead Electric Cooperative, as far in advance as possible before a potential PSPS. Sometimes notice can be given days in advance of forecast conditions; however, wildfire-risk information can change quickly, resulting in very short notices in some cases. A forecast may shift, field observations may change the assessment, or a line not previously expected to be affected may be added. We will notify members as soon as BPA provides credible information that one of our areas may be affected, but advance notice may sometimes be short.
We will use all available communication channels, including targeted text messages, the website, social media, local news media, and direct communication with emergency services and community officials. Members should keep their contact information current in their online account or My Co-op mobile app and ensure they are signed up for text alerts.
