Safety
Public Safety Power Shutoff
Click on the video below to learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
With wildfire risks increasing across California, proactive power outages related to wildfire safety are becoming more common. Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. (BVES) is committed to protecting the Big Bear community from the risk of ignition. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are a measure of last resort used only when weather and fire conditions threaten public safety. When conditions meet established thresholds, BVES may temporarily shut down to reduce wildfire risk.
Your safety is always our top priority. In some cases, turning off power is necessary to protect our community from even greater danger.
Stay Informed
Stay informed before, during and after an emergency by following BVES on our official communication channels. We’ll share the latest updates, safety tips and outage alerts to help you stay informed and prepared.
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What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
A PSPS is intended to reduce wildfire risk by proactively turning off power when severe weather conditions are forecasted.
BVES continuously monitors real-time weather and fire conditions using multiple tools and data sources. Several factors are carefully evaluated before determining whether a proactive shutoff is required, including:
Fire Potential Index (FPI) customized for the BVES service area.
National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings.
BVES weather stations.
Input from state and local authorities and Emergency Management Personnel.
Low Humidity Levels increasing fire risk due to a decreased level of water vapor in the air.
High Wind Forecasts that create ideal conditions for a fire to easily spread.
Field observations from trained personnel positioned in high-risk areas
Additionally, here are four things to know about PSPS events:
PSPS events can be unplanned- customers are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of outages.
Even if Big Bear is not experiencing extreme weather conditions, power may shut off if Southern California Edison (SCE) implements a PSPS on a transmission line supplying BVES.
BVES will always alert customers local government and safety officials in advance and keep the community apprised of evolving conditions via BVES.com, Facebook (@BearValleyElectricService) and email.
Community Resource may be opened during extended PSPS events to provide water, charging stations, and other resources.
As a reminder, extreme weather conditions are not always predictable, and the sudden onset of such conditions may hinder BVES’ ability to provide the community with advanced notice.
Prior to an emergency, customers who require power to operate life-essential medical equipment are strongly encouraged to make special accommodations or dial 9-1-1 if they are unable to secure alternative power.
Plan Ahead for Power Outages
With PSPS events occurring more frequently, it’s important for all customers to start preparing now for extended power outages. Don't wait for an emergency – you can start preparing now by following the tips below:
Setting up emergency backup power systems that meet your individual or business needs.
Develop a plan according to where you might be when the emergency occurs. What should you do if you are at home, school, work, etc.
Prepare a kit of essential items in the event of a long-term power outage. This includes water, non-perishable food and other essential items.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
Emergencies can happen at any time of year. Make sure you and your family or your business are prepared with the following steps:
Keep a fully stocked emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, water, and medications
Know your evacuation routes and check them regularly
Create and update emergency plans for your household or workplace
Enroll in Two-Way Emergency Text Communications to receive real-time updates
Review your backup power options and test equipment regularly
Understanding PSPS Events
When a PSPS is issued, it is treated as an emergency by both state and local agencies. These events should be taken seriously by everyone. During a PSPS, power will remain off until safety inspections are complete, and weather conditions allow for safe restoration.
NOTE: BVES does not control PSPS events initiated by Southern California Edison (SCE), the utility that provides power to BVES’s system.
Solar Facility and Battery Storage
BVES is actively working to increase its system’s self-reliance through initiatives like the solar facility and battery storage project. This project will help improve local reliability and reduce the impact of further PSPS events on our community.
Once complete, the solar facility and battery storage project aims to decrease BVES’s dependence on SCE, helping to provide more stable and reliable service for customers – particularly as PSPS warnings on SCE distribution lines that supply the BVES system become more frequent.
BVES U-913E 2024 Pre-Season Report
BVES U-913E 2024 Pre-Season Tables Appendix L
Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. 2024 Public Safety Power Shutoff Plan
Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. Emergency Response Plan
The safety of our customers is our top priority, so if you have any questions, call our customer service team at 1-800-808-2837.