Public Safety Power Shutoff: A Tool of Last Resort
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a last resort measure that involves temporarily turning off power when extreme wildfire risk factors occur. PSPS is only one part of FortisAlberta’s comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy. It may be implemented when high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation create extreme risk conditions. This proactive measure is used to help keep communities safe.
To enhance wildfire prevention and community safety, we’ve identified areas where we may activate a PSPS to help prevent wildfires. Maps of these areas are provided in the links below:
FortisAberta PSPS Operational Areas:
- Yellowhead County
- Woodlands County
- Whitecourt
- Woodlands County and Whitecourt
- Edson
- Crowsnest Pass
- Banff
- Canmore
- Lake Louise
- Lake Louise and Banff Overview
- Municipal District of Bighorn
- Stoney Nakoda First Nations
In addition, AltaLink has implemented PSPS operational procedures in areas outside of FortisAlberta’s designated PSPS areas, as part of its wildfire mitigation strategy. These procedures are designed to support public safety and reduce wildfire risk across Alberta’s transmission network. Learn more at Wildfire Safety - AltaLink.
Plan for medical needs that require electricity
If you have medical devices that rely on electricity to operate or re-charge, you are encouraged to have backup plans and be prepared. Please contact the company that issues your bill to verify that your phone number, email address and your medical requirements are up to date.
Preparing for A Power Outage
Visit Prepare for a Power Outage to ensure that you and your family have what you need when an outage occurs.
To help you prepare for emergencies and potential power outages the Government of Alberta has resources available with information about creating an evacuation plan and what to include in an emergency kit at www.alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.