Mayor Urges Readiness as Hawaiian Electric Launches Public Safety Power Shutoff Program (PSPS)

News release from Office of the Mayor, July 1, 2024

HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi is urging O‘ahu residents to be prepared as Hawaiian Electric implements its new Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, starting today, July 1, 2024. This initiative may result in preemptive power shutoffs in areas identified as high risk for wildfires during periods of forecasted high winds and dry conditions.

“This initiative by Hawaiian Electric represents a crucial step in safeguarding our communities from the growing threat of wildfires,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We understand that power shutoffs can be challenging for residents, but they are essential to protect lives and property. We encourage everyone to take necessary precautions that we recommend and be ready for potential outages.”

Key Details of Hawaiian Electric’s PSPS Program:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2024. The program goes into effect on July 1, but pre-emptive power shutdowns will only happen under extreme weather conditions.
• Objective: To prevent wildfires by shutting off power in high-risk areas during extreme weather conditions.

Potentially Affected Areas:

• Oʻahu: Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Nānākuli, Māʻili, and Ka‘ena Point (approx. 2,700 customers)

PSPS Activation Criteria:

Power shutoffs will be considered if weather data, including statements from the National Weather Service, indicate conditions conducive to wildfires, such as strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.

Hawaiian Electric will notify the public in advance of a PSPS through news releases, social media, online outage maps, and updates to its website. However, shutoffs may occur with little or no notice if conditions change suddenly.

Preparations and Recommendations:

Residents should prepare for extended outages that could last several hours to days by having emergency supplies such as food, water, and medications.

Customers with medical needs that rely on power should submit their contact information to Hawaiian Electric using the online Medical Needs Communications Form at hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS to receive advance notifications.

Hawaiian Electric will collaborate with government officials, emergency response agencies, and essential service providers to minimize the impact of the PSPS and ensure public safety.

Post-PSPS Procedures:

After a PSPS event, power restoration will only occur once weather conditions improve and Hawaiian Electric has inspected power lines and repaired any damage. Depending on the severity of the damage and location, this may involve extended outages.

PSPS Contacts:

• PSPS Website: hawaiianelectric.com/psps
• PSPS Hotline: 1 (844) 483-8666 (Toll Free)
• HECO Main Phone: (808) 548-7311 (O‘ahu)

Further Information:

Residents can obtain more details and view updated maps by clicking here.

—PAU---