Avista enacts temporary change to power line operations for summer

Rhea-AI Summary

Avista (AVA) has activated its Fire Safety Mode for summer 2025 in Washington and Idaho service areas, a key operational change implemented for over 20 years to reduce wildfire risks. This mode prevents automatic power line re-energization during faults, requiring crew verification before restoration. Under CEO Heather Rosentrater's leadership, Avista's comprehensive Wildfire Resiliency Plan, launched in 2020, includes infrastructure upgrades like replacing wooden transmission poles with steel, installing fire-retardant mesh, and converting overhead lines to underground service. The company may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme conditions and has expanded vegetation management efforts. Customers are advised to update contact information, register medical devices, and prepare emergency supplies for potential outages.

Positive

• Implementation of Fire Safety Mode demonstrates proactive risk management approach
• Significant infrastructure investments in grid-hardening projects since 2020
• Comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy including underground line conversion and vegetation management
• 20-year track record of implementing fire safety operational changes

Negative

• Extended power outage times due to manual verification requirements
• Potential for targeted power shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme weather conditions
• Additional operational costs from infrastructure upgrades and safety measures

Fire Safety mode increases power line sensitivity ahead of the 2025 wildfire season.

SPOKANE, Wash., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to dry summer conditions and increasing wildfire danger in the region, Avista is applying temporary changes to power line operations in its Washington and Idaho service areas. Avista has implemented this operational change, now called Fire Safety Mode, for over 20 years.

A key part of Avista’s wildfire strategy is its use of Fire Safety Mode, which adjusts how the system responds to faults during high-risk weather. Unlike normal operations, where lines may attempt to re-energize automatically, Fire Safety Mode keeps lines de-energized until crews confirm it is safe to restore power. While this may extend outage times, it significantly reduces the risk of ignition.

“Wildfire preparedness is not just a seasonal effort—it’s a year-round responsibility,” said Heather Rosentrater, CEO of Avista. “We’ve invested in infrastructure, technology, and operational practices that help us respond to changing conditions and protect the communities we serve. Our focus on safety is foundational to all we do.”

Since launching its Wildfire Resiliency Plan in 2020, Avista has completed numerous grid-hardening projects in high-risk areas. These include replacing wooden transmission poles with steel, installing fire-retardant mesh at pole bases, and upgrading wooden crossarms to fiberglass. In certain areas, Avista will be converting its overhead power lines to underground service to further reduce the risk of wildfire. The company has also expanded vegetation management to reduce the risk of trees contacting power lines.

In the most extreme conditions, Avista may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a targeted, temporary outage in areas facing severe wildfire risk. PSPS is a last-resort measure, used only when weather conditions such as high winds and low humidity create a heightened threat. Avista crews patrol affected lines before restoring power, and Community Resource Centers may be activated to support customers during extended outages.

What customers can do: 

• Make sure your information is up to date with Avista. Avista wants to be able to reach customers about potential outages. Visit myavista.com to update account information or call customer service at (800) 227-9187. 
  
  
• Let Avista know if there are medical devices that rely on electricity. Customer information will be added to a list of customers who receive extra notifications in case of an extended outage. Learn more at myavista.com/medicalequipment.   
  
  
• Be prepared for outages. Customers should keep emergency supplies together in one place, like flashlights and backup portable chargers. There should be a few days’ supply of shelf-stable food and water for all people and pets in your home. Learn more at myavista.com/outages to create a to-do list in case of an outage. 
  

For more information about Avista’s wildfire preparedness and PSPS plans, visit myavista.com/wildfire.

About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 422,000 customers and natural gas to 383,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.myavista.com.

Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation.

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Contact:
Media: David Vowels, david.vowels@avistacorp.com
Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174

FAQ

What is Avista's Fire Safety Mode and how does it work?

Fire Safety Mode is an operational change that prevents power lines from automatically re-energizing during faults, requiring crew verification before power restoration to reduce wildfire risks.

What infrastructure improvements has Avista (AVA) made for wildfire prevention?

Avista has replaced wooden transmission poles with steel, installed fire-retardant mesh, upgraded wooden crossarms to fiberglass, and is converting overhead power lines to underground service in certain areas.

When will Avista implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)?

PSPS will be implemented as a last resort during extreme weather conditions with high winds and low humidity that create severe wildfire risks.

How can Avista customers prepare for potential power outages in summer 2025?

Customers should update their contact information, register medical devices, maintain emergency supplies including flashlights and portable chargers, and keep several days of food and water.

How long has Avista been using Fire Safety Mode for wildfire prevention?

Avista has been implementing Fire Safety Mode operational changes for over 20 years as part of its wildfire prevention strategy.