Recent Power Outages in the City of Talent
The City of Talent would like to address the recent power outages that have affected our residents, community, and city operation. City management has been in contact with Pacific Power representatives concerning this matter.
The City is advised by Pacific Power that, with the start of fire season, they have implemented measures to mitigate the risk of wildfires, which may include temporary power outages. Here are the primary strategies they use:
1. Elevated Fire Risk (EFR) Settings: This is the most common type of outage. During fire season, almost all facilities in Jackson County are set to extra-sensitive settings. This means that even minor disturbances can cause a full outage, and re-energizing the line requires a lineman to visually patrol the entire circuit. This results in longer outages, especially at night. Consequently, outages will be more frequent and prolonged during fire season, with nighttime outages likely being restored only after daylight.
2. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): This is less common and only applies in windy weather. During extremely dry conditions combined with high winds, large sections of the grid may be de-energized for safety. Pacific Power will notify customers as early and as often as possible, many hours or days ahead of a PSPS event.
3. Incursion or Encroachment De-energization: This involves shutting down facilities if existing wildfires encroach too closely. In cases of known fires, Pacific Power will notify customers ahead of time. However, if a wildfire starts suddenly near their lines, there may be an unexpected de-energization.
Pacific Power advises that the above power interruption criteria may not be the reason for every outage.
Pacific Power has prepared an informative video explaining these strategies, which you can view here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D74RXIlOl4. Additionally, they maintain a website where residents can learn about each incident, its expected duration, and other details. For more information, visit Pacific Power Outages at www.pacificpower.net/outages-safety.html.
