Tucson Electric Power [TEP] has sent the following announcement to local customers:
Preventing Wildfires in Risk-Prone Areas
Dear Customer,
TEP works year-round to prevent wildfires and protect our local energy grid through efforts that include inspecting and upgrading our system, coordinating with emergency responders, and clearing vegetation away from our equipment.
Despite these efforts, periods of extreme heat, strong winds and blowing debris could increase the risk that our facilities might spark a wildfire in certain remote, dry areas.
Because your property is in or near a risk-prone area for wildfires, we may have to proactively shut off power during periods of extreme wildfire risk until conditions improve. This step, known as a public safety power shutoff, would be initiated only as a last resort in the event of a specific and rare combination of criteria that includes high wind speed, low humidity, dry vegetation and other factors.
If this step becomes necessary, we’ll provide as much notification as possible.We encourage you to learn more about this critical new safety measure, which could be considered for use this summer to protect our community from potential wildfire risks.
Here are some steps you can take now to be prepared:
- Visit our website for a video, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful information.
- Join us for a community meeting on Wednesday, June 11, starting at 6 p.m. so you can learn more about what to expect. Meeting contact details are listed below.
- Please make sure to update your contact information through My Account at tep.com or call us at 520-623-7711 to make sure we can reach you to provide important notifications.
Thank you for your attention as we work together to support safety in our community.
Sincerely,
Tucson Electric Power
Community Meeting for Residents of Risk-Prone Areas
Wednesday, June 11, 6–7 p.m.
Join us to learn what to expect and how to prepare.