When wildfire season hits, and power companies drop power to protect lines, having a generator isn’t just a convenience, it’s peace of mind. Utilities like PGE and Pacific Power use Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during high fire-risk days (hot, dry, windy weather) turning off electricity to prevent utility-caused fires. These outages can last hours or days while crews inspect and repair lines. Without power, your home loses heat, lights, well pumps, refrigeration, and critical health devices. That’s where a generator steps in.
Why Wildfires Often Trigger Power Shutdowns
Fuel-dry vegetation and gusty winds can knock trees into power lines or stress equipment, sparking fires. To reduce danger, PSPS is used preemptively. PGE, Avista, Pacific Power, and others in Oregon and Washington notify customers 24–48 hours ahead when shutoffs may occur.
The Power of Having a Generator
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Backup power during PSPS events: A generator keeps your lights, heating, and vital systems running when the grid goes dark.
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Medical and safety peace of mind: Families relying on medical equipment or needing climate control are better protected.
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Food safety during long outages: Generators preserve refrigeration until the power returns.
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Maintain daily routines: Remote work, cooking, and lighting all continue without interruption.
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Protect against weather extremes: Outages during heat waves or cold snaps present real health risks.
What Local Utilities Recommend
Utilities across the PNW – PGE, Pacific Power, Avista, EWEB, and OTEC – encourage customers in PSPS areas to prepare, especially with generators. Oregon’s PUC advises backup generators for medically vulnerable customers. They stress: generators save lives, not just appliances.
Choosing the Right Generator
Whole‑home standby generators (installed by a licensed electrician) kick on automatically when the grid drops. They run off natural gas, propane, or diesel and keep your home fully functional. Portable generators, on the other hand, can back up critical circuits but require manual setup and cautious handling. Always run them outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide hazards.
Tips to Stay Ready
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Test monthly to ensure reliability during emergencies.
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Schedule annual maintenance with Prairie Electric for full-service tune-ups.
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Keep fuel on hand, especially before wildfire season peaks.
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Install a transfer switch so power integrates safely without risking back-feeding the grid.
Why Prairie Electric is Your Wildfire Season Ally
We understand how PSPS affects Ridgefield, Vancouver, Portland, Tri-Cities, and everywhere else in the Pacific Northwest. Our expert team can help assess your home’s needs, install a dependable generator, and provide ongoing support. We know the PSPS protocols and help you plan ahead, handling safe installation with transfer switches and permits. We also offer maintenance plans to ensure your system is ready for every emergency. Contact us to schedule your generator consultation today.
