CEDAR CITY, Utah — A Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch is in place for Delta, Milford, Cedar City and Enterprise Valley, which means those areas could lose power if weather and fire conditions worsen, Rocky Mountain Power warned Wednesday.
UPDATE: The Public Safety Power Shutoff watch has expanded to cover 18,362 customers. Also, 2,91 customers in American Fork, Delta, Enterprise Valley, Gunnison, Moroni and Santaquin have had their power shutoff watch cancelled.
Forecasted shutoff times could be as early as 7:00 a.m. Sunday through the afternoon.
A planned power shutoff safety measure was announced as Rocky Mountain Power monitors the potential impact of the weather and fire dangers on the electrical network, with the possibility of de-energizing power lines and equipment.
Nearly 5,000 customers have been notified in the potential power shutdown area through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Customers will receive notifications if a power shutoff is necessary or if the watch is cancelled.
Cottonwood Fire nears 60,000 acres in size; new communities on alert
Fire restrictions are already in place across southern Utah's national parks due to prolonged drought and extremely dry vegetation. With major wildfires already ongoing throughout the state, as temperatures rise with the summer season.
“Community safety and reducing wildfire risk are our top priorities,” said Carrie Laird, Rocky Mountain Power incident commander. “We take the decision to turn off power very seriously. Public Safety Power Shutoffs will be targeted, precise, and guided by real-time data from conditions on the ground. We appreciate our customers’ patience and support
during these critical safety efforts.”
Officials noted that a Public Safety Power Shutoff is a preventative measure of last resort to protect the electricity infrastructure in the event of hazardous fire weather conditions.
Temporary Community Resource Centers are being established to support impacted customers with device charging, cooling and basic amenities. Centers are scheduled to operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Starting Friday, June 26: Beaver County Fairgrounds, 1400 E Highway 21, Minersville, Utah
- Starting Friday, June 26: Heritage Center, 105 N 100 E, Cedar City, Utah
- Starting Saturday, June 27: Western Park, 302 E 200 S, Vernal, Utah
- Starting Saturday, June 27: Margaret L. Hopkin Middle School, 439 S 100 E, Moab, Utah
The public is encouraged to follow local public safety agency recommendations, and for any questions, they are asked to reach out to Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070.
