UPDATE 6:39 p.m: Flathead Electric was just informed that BPA has canceled tonight’s Public Safety Power Shutoff. Power should now be restored.
UPDATE: BPA Cancels Libby Public Safety Power Shutoff
Flathead Electric was just informed that the Bonneville Power Administration has canceled tonight’s Public Safety Power Shutoff affecting the Libby area. Power should now be restored.
We understand the frustration and confusion caused by this rapidly changing situation, and we apologize for the short notice provided to our members. FEC shared information as quickly as possible after receiving notification from BPA and will continue working to better understand what occurred.
If your power has not been restored, please report your outage to Flathead Electric.
Original News Release
Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) has been notified that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff tonight (Thursday, July 16) affecting the transmission line that supplies FEC’s Libby service area. As a result, FEC members in the Libby area will experience a temporary power outage.
BPA owns and operates the affected transmission line and made the decision to de-energize it due to elevated wildfire risk and area Red Flag Warnings. Flathead Electric does not control the timing of the shutoff or the transmission line’s re-energization.
A Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, is a preventive measure utilities may use during periods of extreme wildfire risk. Electricity is temporarily turned off to reduce the possibility that energized equipment could ignite a wildfire, particularly when hot, dry and windy conditions are present.
FEC does not yet have additional details about the specific timing or expected duration of the outage. Power will remain off until conditions improve and BPA determines the transmission line can be safely re-energized.
Members in the Libby area should prepare for an outage tonight by charging essential devices, planning for medical or accessibility needs, and making other necessary outage preparations.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work closely with BPA to prioritize the safety of our community. We will share additional information as soon as it becomes available. Visit Outage Updates on flatheadelectric.com for the latest updates.
