Hawaiian Electric Industries : starts Public Safety Power Shutoff program on July 1

Hawaiian Electric starts Public Safety Power Shutoff program on July 1

• As part of this program, Hawaiian Electric may preemptively shut off power in certain areas it has identified as high risk during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions. This program is our last line of defense to keep communities safe.
• Customers urged to prepare for emergencies and the possibility of extended outages.

Release Date: 6/26/2024

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HONOLULU, June 26, 2024 - Starting July 1, Hawaiian Electric is prepared to preemptively shut off power in areas that appear at high risk of wildfire as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Customers are urged to prepare for emergencies and the possibility of extended power outages during periods of high winds and dry conditions.

"This is our last line of defense to keep communities safe from the threat of wildfires. We understand shutting off the power can create hardships, so this is not something we take lightly. We urge customers to prepare for a PSPS the same way they would prepare for a hurricane or other hazard that can result in extended power outages," said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer.

Hawaiian Electric does not intend to initiate a PSPS on July 1, only to be ready. This was the date set by the company to have its internal systems, protocols and communication plans ready in the event of extreme weather conditions. Hawaiian Electric will continue coordinating and sharing its plans with public agencies, first responders, community organizations and customers over the summer.

The company will be ready to proactively shut off power only if necessary for public safety in the following areas:

• Oahu: Waianae, Makaha, Nanakuli, Maili, and Kaena Point (approximately 2,700 customers)
• Hawaii Island: North Hawaii between Kohala (below 18 mile marker) and Waikoloa, in West Hawaii between Kalaoa and Holualoa, and between Mauna Kea Access Road and Waikii Ranch (approximately 19,300 customers)
• Maui: West Maui, Upcountry, parts of Central and South Maui (approximately 25,300 customers)
• Molokai: parts of central Molokai (approximately 11 customers)

These initial starting areas have a combination of risk factors for wildfires, including exposure to strong winds, dry conditions, vegetation prone to wildfires, and historically higher rates of wildfires. Over time, Hawaiian Electric will expand this program to all high-risk areas on the islands that it serves. For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric's PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.

A PSPS will only be activated in an area if weather data, including statements from the National Weather Service, indicate conditions for heightened wildfire risk. These conditions may include strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation. Combined, these factors can result in downed trees or flying debris contacting power lines and damaging electrical infrastructure, which can create the risk of wildfires.

Before activating a PSPS, Hawaiian Electric will notify the public and coordinate with government officials, first responders and emergency response agencies. Hawaiian Electric will provide public notifications through news releases, social media, online outage maps and updates to its website. If weather conditions change suddenly, shutoff may occur with little or no notice.

During a PSPS activation, power will remain shut off so long as hazardous weather conditions persist. When the weather improves, power lines must be inspected and any damage must be repaired before service can be restored. This may involve ground crews and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones. This process may result in extended outages lasting several hours, possibly even days depending on the location and extent of any damage.

Shutting off power, even to reduce wildfire risks, has broad impacts across the community. Hawaiian Electric has coordinated with stakeholders from across government and the private sector, including emergency response agencies, government officials, essential service providers and businesses, to ensure public awareness and safety during a PSPS activation.

Customers on life support with special medical needs are urged to prepare now for the possibility of extended power outages. Hawaiian Electric asks those customers to provide their contact information to receive future notifications in advance of a PSPS by submitting an online Medical Needs Communications Form.

Looking ahead, Hawaiian Electric plans to continue to enhance and refine its PSPS program to make it more targeted and effective. These plans currently include implementing additional enhanced technology, weather forecasting targeting high-risk areas, customer education, plans for backup for critical customers, and community hubs and resources.