Hawaii Electric is introducing a new online search feature that will allow its customers to see if their address is within an area deemed high-risk for wildfires and subject to its Public Safety Power Shutoff program. 

HECO launched PSPS on July 1. Under the new program, the utility will preemptively shut off power to high-risk areas in the event of extreme weather conditions, like those that contributed to the Maui wildfires last year.

“These improved maps were among the most requested features that came up during our meetings with communities to talk about the PSPS program, so we worked hard to provide it as soon as possible,” said Jim Kelly, Hawaiian Electric vice president for government and community relations and corporate communications. “We hope this new search feature will help people make their own preparations.”

The new search feature can be found on the company’s website at: hawaiianelectric.com/pspsmaps

The map displays results for addresses so a customer can determine if they are located in or nearby areas covered by the PSPS program. Due to the unpredictable nature of the weather and other hazardous conditions, Hawaiian Electric advises customers who are near a PSPS zone to prepare for potential weather emergencies and accompanying power shutdowns. 

“Anyone who is close to a PSPS area on the map should play it safe and be prepared, even though their address may not be included,” Kelly said.

Areas identified as high risk in the initial rollout of the program have a combination of risk factors for wildfires, including exposure to strong winds, dry conditions, vegetation prone to wildfires and historically higher rates of wildfires. Hawaiian Electric will expand the program over time to all high-risk areas on the islands that it serves. For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric’s PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.

A precautionary shutoffs will only be activated in an area if weather data, including statements from the National Weather Service, indicate conditions for heightened wildfire risk. These conditions may include strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation. Combined, these factors can result in downed trees or flying debris contacting power lines and damaging electrical infrastructure, which can create the risk of wildfires, according to HECO.

Before activating a PSPS, Hawaiian Electric coordinate with government officials, first responders and emergency response agencies and notify the public via news releases, social media, online outage maps and updates to its website. Shutoffs may occur with little or no notice if weather conditions change suddenly.

During a PSPS activation, power will remain shut off so long as hazardous weather conditions persist. When the weather improves, power lines will be inspected and any damage repaired before service is restored. This may involve ground crews and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones. HECO cautioned that the process may result in extended outages lasting several hours, possibly even days depending on the location and extent of any damage.  

HECO urged customers on life support with special medical needs are urged to prepare now for the possibility of extended power outages. These customers are encouraged to provide their contact information to receive future notifications in advance of a PSPS by submitting an online Medical Needs Communications Form at hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.