As summer brings warmer, drier conditions, it’s a good time to think about outage preparedness and PenLight’s steps to reduce wildfire risk.
The way we live and work has changed dramatically. More members now work remotely, operate home-based businesses, use online education, use telehealth, and rely on connected medical equipment. As dependence on electricity grows, so does the importance of planning for unexpected outages.
While PenLight works hard to provide safe and reliable electricity, no electric system can guarantee uninterrupted power 100% of the time. Storms, equipment failures, wildlife, vegetation, and extreme weather can affect service - and wildfire mitigation efforts can impact summer operations.
SafetyFirst Mode Activated for Summer Fire Season
PenLight activates SafetyFirst Mode (SFM) during periods of elevated fire danger when dry weather and vegetation increase wildfire risk.
SafetyFirst Mode changes how certain protective devices operate. Normally, these devices automatically attempt to restore power after a fault - such as a squirrel contacting equipment or a branch on a line - often preventing prolonged outages.
When activated, those restoration attempts are disabled. Devices operate in a “1-event” configuration, meaning power stays off until crews inspect the line and confirm it is safe to restore.
While this may result in longer outages for some events, it significantly reduces the risk of utility-related wildfire ignitions. SafetyFirst Mode is 1 of several tools PenLight uses to support wildfire prevention while delivering safe, reliable service whenever possible.
Consider a Backup Power Plan
Members whose work, health, or daily activities depend on electricity should consider a backup power solution. Options include:
- Portable generators for temporary power
- Permanently-installed standby generators that start automatically when power is interrupted
- Battery backup systems for essential devices and appliances
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for computers and electronics
- Solar-connected battery storage systems when properly configured
- Local libraries, coffee shops, or co-working spaces during outages
Plan Before You Need It
If someone in your household relies on medical equipment, works remotely or depends on internet connectivity, now is the time to create an outage preparedness plan. Identify critical devices, understand power requirements, and maintain backup batteries. Ensure any generator is safely installed - never connected directly to household wiring without proper transfer equipment - and always operated outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
Preparedness starts at home. A backup power strategy provides peace of mind and keeps your family and essential services running when outages occur.
For more information about SafetyFirst Mode and PenLight’s wildfire mitigation efforts our website.