As temperatures continue to rise and we move through drought cycles across the United States the risk of wildfires becomes a significant concern. Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA) recognizes these risks and has implemented a wildfire mitigation plan to help us prepare and reduce the risk of wildfires. Part of that plan includes putting our system into a Fire Protection Mode (FPM) should conditions require extra precaution. Here are a few things we would like our members to know and prepare for:
What is Fire Protection Mode?
In many parts or our system we have electrical devices, known as reclosers, that will automatically de-energize and then re-energize our overhead power lines to clear what are often temporary faults. This means that when an object (i.e. trees or other vegetation, animals, etc.) creates an interruption to the line, the electric system devices will operate and try to clear the temporary fault on the line. It will do this a few times, blinking the power off/on before the protection devices will de-energize the line completely until the issue is located and repaired. Moving to FPM means that the system may only make one attempt to clear the faulted line before de-energizing. What this will mean for members is that when we are in FPM, they can anticipate longer and more frequent outages. We know that longer outages are an inconvenience to our members and crews, but our only focus when it comes to going into FPM is the protection of our communities and members.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
During summer fire season, the National Weather Service may issue a Red Flag warning when warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
How Does YVEA Operate Under Red Flag Conditions?
During a Red Flag warning, YVEA implements wildfire prevention protocols in the areas covered by the Red Flag warning. This includes moving our system into Fire Protection Mode (FPM), setting protective devices on the electrical system to automatically de-energize the lines if they detect a faulty current that could be from downed power lines.
During red flag conditions, YVEA’s management staff will evaluate the conditions and take actions that are deemed appropriate. In most cases, placing our system in a Fire Protection Mode (FPM) setting will be our first line of defense. FPM allows us to keep the system energized while making it less prone to be a potential ignition source. We do this by making the system more sensitive to electrical fault conditions in an attempt to only de-energize the faulted part of the electrical system. Only under imminent danger to life or property will YVEA implement an immediate de-energizing of our system. When we implement an immediate de-energizing of the system, this is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Examples of this would be if a fire has started and fire-fighting crews need the power shut off for their safety or if lines are on the ground that are energized. The challenge with implementing a PSPS system-wide is that all lines would have to be patrolled before power could be restored. This could take weeks. By setting the system on FPM, only those lines that lose power have to be patrolled. The other benefit to setting the system on high sensitivity versus PSPS is fire districts, businesses and homes still have access to water to defend properties. PSPS is truly a last line of defense and one that will only be used in extreme circumstances.
How Might This Impact My Service?
Any outages that occur during a Red Flag Warning will likely impact more members and be longer than normal. This is because YVEA personnel must patrol the entire de-energized sections of line to ensure that all damage is repaired and no other potential ignition sources exist before they turn the power back on. Because of these line safety inspections, members should anticipate much longer outages.
How Will YVEA Communicate with Members if FPM is on?
Members will be contacted via email, text and/or phone call. It is crucial that members keep their information updated so we can communicate with them in an emergency situation. Please call us at 970-879-1160 to ensure your information is up to date.
How Can You Prepare?
Check the Colorado and Wyoming Wildfire Map to keep informed about wildfires. https://www.fireweatheravalanche.org/fire/state/colorado
- Update your contact information with YVEA by contacting member services at 970-879-1160.
- Have a personal safety plan in place for every member of your household (including pets).
- Plan for any medical needs like medications that need to be refrigerated or devices that require power. If someone in your household uses a medical device that requires power, please contact our office to inquire about placing a medical alert on your account so you will be notified in the event of a preplanned outage.
- Create or restock your emergency supply kit, including food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies, and cash. For more information on how to build a kit, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Identify backup charging methods for phones and medical equipment.
- Know how to open your garage door manually.
- Ensure any backup generators are ready to operate safely.
- Create a defensible space around your house with wildfire mitigation in mind. https://csfs.colostate.edu/wildfire-mitigation/protect-your-home-property-from-wildfire/
- Identify the unique needs of your family and loved ones in the area for your emergency plan.
- Designate an emergency meeting location.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts: https://www.yvea.com/outages-safety/storm-safety/
For more information on safety and our wildfire plan, please visit: https://www.yvea.com/outages-safety/wildfire-mitigation/