Truckee, CA…Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) is urging customers to be prepared for prolonged power outages this summer if NV Energy turns off power transmission to Truckee due to extreme fire danger. TDPUD does not generate power locally and is dependent on the transmission of electricity from our generation sources through NV Energy. NV Energy has announced an expansion of their wildfire safety deenergization program referred to as Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM), where much like the PSPS outages that take place in many areas of California based on catastrophic wildfire risk, NV Energy will de-energize transmission lines that deliver power to Truckee.

The outages, based on the length of the extreme wildfire danger period and the time required to visually inspect 100% of the electric system to safely restore power, will likely impact TDPUD’s entire customer base for periods ranging from one day to a few days. Unfortunately, TDPUD does not have control over the timing and duration of the outages. TDPUD is collaborating with local emergency response and critical infrastructure stakeholders to raise awareness of the new NV Energy PSOM program and to mitigate impacts. Details on NV Energy’s PSOM program can be found at www.nvenergy.com/safety/psom.

TDPUD is asking customers to confirm their contact information and sign up for automated alerts via text or email at www.tdpud.org and by clicking on My Account. TDPUD customers can sign up to be notified of NV Energy PSOM’s and other emergency situations. TDPUD will attempt to notify all customers if a NV Energy PSOM is planned between 48-24 hours and 12-4 hours before the outage. TDPUD wants everyone to be prepared for wildfire season and power outages and has more information www.tdpud.org/wildfire-safety.

“This is about public safety and being prepared for prolonged power outages due to elevated wildfire risks and other emergencies,” said Brian Wright, TDPUD general manager. “TDPUD’s goal, in the event that NV Energy cuts power to Truckee, is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible and to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be as informed and prepared as possible.”

Preparations for wildfires and power outages can include identifying backup charging methods for phones and electronic devices, making hard copies of emergency contacts and family information, planning for medical needs (including power dependent breathing machines, wheelchairs, dialysis, etc.) and planning for pets and livestock.

It is likely that, in the event of a NV Energy PSOM event, electric power will be out for one to a few days. Because these events will be triggered by NV Energy’s assessment of weather conditions and fire risk, the TDPUD cannot reliably predict the timing or duration. Residents or businesses who can’t be without power should consider professionally installing a generator. All property owners should ensure there’s defensible space around homes and businesses. For additional information and resources visit www.tdpud.org/wildfire-safety. To contact TDPUD and update your contact information, visit www.tdpud.org or call 530-387-3896.

About Truckee Donner PUD:
TDPUD is a public utility district created in 1927 and overseen by a locally-elected board of directors. TDPUD is a not-for-profit entity that provides the greater Truckee area with reliable and high-quality water and power services, while guiding the community to conserve resources. For more information about TDPUD, call 530-587-3896 or visit tdpud.org.