Rocky Mountain Power issues Public Safety Power Shutoff watch for areas in Iron and Washington counties

CEDAR CITY, Utah — Rocky Mountain Power is closely monitoring weather conditions, which include forecasted high winds and elevated fire conditions, in areas around several communities in Iron and Washington counties. The company has issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch for those areas which is in effect for the next 48 hours.

“The safety of the communities we serve is our top priority and issuing a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch gives our customers some time to prepare ahead of a potential outage,” says Curtis Mansfield, senior vice president of operations. “Our meteorologist and emergency management teams have monitored this evolving weather system for several days and recent updates by the National Weather Service has us prepared to respond in the event of any outages caused by the incoming high winds.”

Approximately 680 customers have been notified of the Public Safety Power Shutoff through phone calls, email and text messages. They will continue to receive notifications prior to a Public Safety Power Shutoff or if the watch is canceled. Communities under the watch include:

• Cedar City
• Enterprise
• Dixie
• Milford

Rocky Mountain Power is taking additional safety precautions by directing additional restoration personnel and resources to monitor weather impact on the system. In the event of a power outage, employees will inspect lines and facilities for safety before power is restored, which could result in longer outages.

If conditions are met, a Public Safety Power Shutoff is a proactive measure to mitigate wildfire risk in the face of hazardous fire weather conditions including extreme low humidity, dry vegetation and sustained high winds and elevated counts on key weather indexes. Current Iron and Washington county area forecasts indicate Public Safety Power Shutoff thresholds for those conditions could be met Thursday and possibly into Friday.

Weather-related power outages can happen during high wind events. The company urges customers to follow emergency management official recommendations to have a plan and be prepared. For all non-emergency questions about the Public Safety Power Shutoff watch, customers and the public should call Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070. 

Visit rockymountainpower.net/psps for additional information on Public Safety Power Shutoffs and company wildfire mitigation practices and updates.