Wildfires are now a year-round threat in California, and electric
utilities throughout the state are proactively de-energizing
their grids (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) as a measure to
protect communities from danger when conditions present a
heightened wildfire risk.
As a water provider that relies on power to operate our water
systems, Golden State Water Company is investing approximately
$10 million to install 31 power generators throughout the state
to help safeguard against water service interruptions during
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. These new power
generators are being installed at key facilities to supplement
and bolster our existing network of generators throughout Golden
State Water’s systems to provide alternative power during PSPS
power outages.
In the event of a PSPS, customers will be asked to limit water
use for life-essential purposes. The water system may not remain
fully operational during an extended outage, and the community’s
conservation will help to ensure available water supplies can be
directed to aide firefighting efforts.
What is a PSPS?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a safety measure in which
electric utilities may proactively de-energize portions of their
power grid to protect the community from potential wildfire
danger when conditions present a heightened risk. Some factors
that could trigger a PSPS include Red Flag Warnings, forecasts of
sustained gusts and winds, dry fuel conditions and low
humidity.
How Could a PSPS Impact Local Water Service?
Water providers like Golden State Water rely on electricity to
power portions of our water infrastructure, including wells and
booster pumps that are critical to deliver reliable water service
to customers.
Our water systems typically rely on water storage tanks to
provide water supply during short-term isolated power outages;
however, a PSPS event can take out the entire power grid serving
a water system and span multiple days before power is restored.
Permanent generators with automatic startup switches located at
key facilities will enhance Golden State Water ability to
minimize water service impacts to the community during a PSPS
event.
What Is Golden State Water Doing to Prepare for PSPSs?
Golden State Water is taking action to help safeguard against
water service interruptions during an extended PSPS period. This
includes:
Investing approximately $10 million to add an additional 31 power
generators to an existing network of generators strategically
located throughout our service areas to provide alternative power
in the event of a power outage.
Establishing agreements with suppliers to ensure fuel will be
available for generators, as needed, throughout a multi-day PSPS
outage.
Working closely with local electric providers in our service
areas to ensure we receive as much advance notice as possible
prior to a PSPS, so we can prepare and initiate our response.
What Can I Do?
Before a PSPS
- Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with Golden
State Water and your local electric provider
- Store an emergency supply of drinking water that could
sustain your household for 3-5 days
- Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights,
batteries, first aid supplies and other essentials
During a PSPS
- Limit water use for life-essential purposes to help maintain
supply for public health, sanitation and fire protection needs
- Stay apprised of conditions by following your local news
station, Golden State Water and your local electric provider for
updates
After a PSPS
- Prepare for the next PSPS and restock any depleted supplies
- Reset your irrigation controller, as programming was likely
lost during the outage
- Check for updates from Golden State Water and your local
electric provider
