Don’t Miss Out on Emergency Communications!
It is imperative that Salem Electric has your current email address and mobile phone number. Visit our Emergency Communications Sign-Up page to ensure you receive important Public Safety Power Shutoff updates and notifications.
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Salem Electric are taking additional safety precautions to protect the electrical system during a wildfire. As part of BPA’s wildfire mitigation plan, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be implemented when hazardous weather conditions threaten the ability to safely deliver power.
During fire season (typically May through October) there may be emergency situations or weather conditions that prompt BPA to de-energize transmission lines to minimize the risk of igniting or spreading wildfires.
BPA transmission lines that deliver electricity to our substations will be de-energized. As a result, Salem Electric members would be without power.
Salem Electric will notify and update members about the PSPS by:
- Phone
- Text message
- Social media
- Website alerts
Members should verify that SE has their current email address and mobile phone number by
- Accessing their account online
- Calling our office
- Emailing Emergency Alerts with their name, service address, and phone number.
Depending on the severity of the weather and/or wildfire conditions, power outages could last several hours or multiple days. Salem Electric members should be prepared to be without power for several days.
BPA’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Information
Based on Salem Electric’s risk analysis of our urban landscape, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) would not be implemented by Salem Electric; however, if Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) transmission lines are de-energized, Salem Electric members would lose power.
Below are BPA’s 5 levels of wildfire mitigation efforts:
System Hardening
Year-round vegetation management and system maintenance to minimize risk
Situational Awareness Monitoring
During fire season and extreme weather conditions, implementation of enhanced weather monitoring and weather forecasting
Wildfire Season
Implementation of additional procedures for system operations during fire season to address the threat of wildfires during dry and windy conditions
Extreme Risk Days
If warranted, BPA’s PSPS decision making team will notify Salem Electric so that we can send alerts to members to prepare for a potential lack of power.
Activate Public Safety Power Shutoff
As a last resort, if conditions worsen, the Bonneville Power Administration will activate a Public Safety Power Shutoff to protect life, property, and the electric system. SE will attempt to notify members as quickly as possible.
During an Outage
During a prolonged PSPS cell towers will likely be without power, making communication difficult. See our Outage Tips & Restoration page for what to do ahead of and during an outage.
Additional Resources
Bonneville Power Administration Wildfire Mitigation
Polk County Emergency Alert Sign-up
Marion County Citizen Alert Sign-up with METCOM 911
Marion County Alerts & Emergencies Page