Hawaiian Electric has warned residents that efforts to prevent wildfires could leave some households without power for extended periods, particularly if outages begin at night.
Here's what to know
In Hawaii, dry weather has heightened wildfire danger statewide, prompting Hawaiian Electric to add Leeward Oahu to its Public Safety Power Shutoff watch, according to Hawaii News Now.
Hawaiian Electric said shutoffs were possible on Leeward Oahu on November 8, with the greatest risk between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Hawaii Island and Maui County were also under a watch.
The utility said crews may cut electricity if needed to help prevent wildfires. During a watch, they closely monitor conditions to assess whether a shutoff is necessary.
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More background
Hawaiian Electric cautioned that high winds and other weather conditions could interrupt service even without a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Additionally, equipment inspections and any necessary repairs could delay power restoration after a nighttime outage, the utility cautioned, according to Hawaii News Now.
Further, Hawaiian Electric explained that the hours of greatest shutoff risk do not necessarily provide an indication of when electricity will return once it has been shut off.
What can be done?
Hawaiian Electric asked customers in high-risk areas to review their emergency plans and get ready for potentially lengthy outages, Hawaii News Now reported.
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Customers can check Hawaiian Electric's Public Safety Power Shutoff information and maps to see which areas are covered by the program and review the utility's preparedness information.
Customers seeking details about the shutoff program or maps of affected areas can call the utility's dedicated line at 1-844-483-8666.
Where can I learn more?
Even as energy prices have continued to surge, wildfire-prevention shutoffs have become a regular part of life in places like Hawaii and California. These stories cover wind-driven outage warnings, scrutiny of shutdown decisions, and other related issues.
• In Northern California, PG&E warned residents that wind-driven shutoffs could interrupt power over the weekend.
• In California, 70-mph Santa Ana winds could have left 220,000 without power as fire risk spiked.
• California supervisors questioned PG&E after a "dead still" shutdown left 7,250 customers without power.
• In San Bernardino, libraries will become emergency hubs during power shutoffs to help affected residents.
• Hawaii hearings began on a Hawaiian Electric proposal to raise monthly electricity bills $11–$15.
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