Big Bend Electric Continues To Be Proactive in Protecting Our Communities From the Threat of Wildfires
What Is a Red Flag Warning?
During times of high fire danger, our highest priority is the safety of our members, community and crews. When a red flag warning has been issued for our area, BBEC wildfire mitigation protocols are in effect.
This means that BBEC equipment is set to stay off when a potential fault has occurred and will remain off until linemen can patrol the line and ensure it is safe to reenergize. This will create longer outage times but will also help reduce potential wildfire danger. During normal operations, BBEC line equipment is set to try several times to clear a fault and keep power energized.
Although our plan currently does not call for public safety power shutoffs, please keep in mind that BBEC has three transmission providers (BPA, Avista and Grant PUD) that may implement power shutoffs during extreme weather to prevent wildfires. This means that if any of these three entities implement a power shutoff to transmission lines feeding BBEC, then BBEC distribution lines would also be deenergized as a result. This type of outage or power shutoff is out of our control and we are forced to wait until the transmission provider clears its line and can reenergize safely.
Keep your contact information up to date so that we can contact you regarding outages.
What Is BBEC Doing to Prevent Wildfires?
For more than 40 years, Big Bend Electric has conducted a tree trimming program on a rotational basis throughout our service territory stretching from Pasco to Ritzville. This preventative process removes tree limbs and vegetation that has grown into areas near our lines, which helps reduce the risk of fire and improves reliability.
For the past 15 years, we have contracted with a pole testing company who evaluates the condition of our poles. This approach strengthens our system and aids in wildfire prevention at the least cost to the membership.
Big Bend adopted a Wildfire Mitigation Plan that guides further efforts to mitigate the potential of wildfires related to our electrical system. The plan generally calls for enhanced system inspections, equipment calibrations that more quickly deenergize lines when dangerous conditions are present and the addition of more downline equipment to better sectionalize our electrical system. We are working hard to protect you while still maintaining reliable and cost-effective service.
Big Bend Electric Wildfire Mitigation Plan (PDF)
What Can You Do?
- Keep brush and vegetation trimmed down and cleared around your property, power poles, meter base, and transformers.
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Update your contact information online or call our office at (866) 844-2363 to update your phone number, address, or email address so we can reach you in case of emergency or planned outages.
- Do not drive into or park on dry grasses
- Avoid activities that create sparks
- Tie up loose chains so they don’t drag behind vehicles
- Be prepared for outages. Keep emergency supplies like flashlights, water, and shelf-stable food together in 1 place.