Key Metrics
16.39
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelLocal
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Last Update2025-09-03
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (4)
Negative Impacts (2)
Event Overview
The implementation of systematic power outages as a risk mitigation strategy highlights the growing intersection of public safety, infrastructure management, and environmental vulnerability. Heightened concern for wildfire prevention leads utilities to balance service continuity with community protection, often necessitating inconvenience for residents. This approach reflects broader challenges utilities face in adapting to extreme weather conditions and underscores ongoing tensions between hazard prevention measures and daily life disruptions.
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Hawaiian Electric Enacts Public Safety Power Shutoff Affecting Upcountry Maui Due to Wildfire Risk
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) affecting approximately 330 customers in parts of Upcountry Maui. This precautionary power outage was activated in response to high winds and dry conditions heightening the risk of wildfires across the region. The power outage was expected to last overnight and continue through Monday morning while crews inspected electrical lines and equipment for safety and performed any necessary repairs. Hawaiian Electric's Public Safety Power Shutoff program is designed to proactively cut power in communities with significant wildfire exposure during severe weather, aiming to prevent wildfire ignition. Customers in these designated high-risk areas were urged to prepare personal emergency plans and anticipate potentially extended outages. Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric's senior vice president and chief operations officer, emphasized, "We only activate a PSPS as a last line of defense to protect lives and reduce the risk of a wildfire," acknowledging the inconvenience but underscoring the safety rationale behind the decision. The utility coordinated closely with state and county emergency response officials, deployed spotters to monitor evolving conditions, and maintained customer communication through its PSPS hotline and website. This precaution came amid warnings from the National Weather Service about increased fire weather risks due to ongoing dry, windy weather. Hawaiian Electric had earlier placed the region under a wildfire safety watch before escalating to a shutoff on Sunday. No PSPS events were reported on Hawaiʻi County at the time. The utility continues to monitor conditions and will restore power once weather improves and safety is assured, underscoring the critical balance between wildfire prevention and community utility services.
Hawaiian Electric Shuts Off Power to Upcountry Maui Customers Due to Wildfire Risk
On Sunday afternoon, Hawaiian Electric activated its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program and proactively shut off power to approximately 330 customers in Upcountry Maui due to the threat of wildfires caused by high winds and dry conditions. Customers in affected areas have been advised to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages and to implement their own emergency plans.
The company stated that power would remain off overnight and through Monday morning, pending improved weather conditions and inspections of power lines and equipment. Repairs will be made if necessary before service is restored. Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer, said, "We only activate a PSPS as a last line of defense to protect lives and reduce the risk of a wildfire" and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage.
No Public Safety Power Shutoff was reported for Hawaiʻi County. Hawaiian Electric is monitoring weather conditions and is working closely with state and county emergency response officials while deploying spotters to look out for any fire risks.