As wildfires in Oregon become more frequent and severe, some electric utilities may temporarily turn off power to reduce the risk of electrical equipment starting or spreading a wildfire. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Utilities usually consider a PSPS when weather conditions such as high winds, dry vegetation, and Red Flag warnings create an extreme fire risk.
A PSPS affecting Salem Electric members is unlikely. Our service area is largely urban, so they are not part of our wildfire mitigation plan. However, there is a small possibility that Bonneville Power Administration could shut off the transmission lines that deliver electricity to our substations during very high fire danger.
If that happens, members could experience an outage until conditions improve. Salem Electric will share updates through email, text alerts, social media, and our website.
You can help ensure you receive notifications by verifying that your email address and mobile phone number are current. This can be done by accessing your account online, calling our office, or emailing EmergencyAlerts@SalemElectric.com with your name, service address, mobile phone number, and email address. Visit SalemElectric.com/PSPS for additional outage resources.
