West Hawaii residents who are dependent upon electrical medical devices are strongly advised to make plans for potential power outages this summer.
Hawaiian Electric on Monday began its Public Safety Power Shutoff program, a fire-prevention measure that will cut power to areas of high-fire risk so that damaged power lines don’t spark a wildfire.
Approximately 19,300 Hawaiian Electric customers reside within the PSPS target areas on the Big Island, which include regions between Kohala and Waikoloa, between Kalaoa and Holualoa, and between Maunakea Access Road and Waikii Ranch.
According to state Department of Health statistics, there may be as many as 317 people dependent upon electrically powered medical equipment within the PSPS target areas, based on Medicare claims.
While a shutdown will only be activated if weather forecast data indicate a high risk of wildfire — including factors such as low humidity, dry vegetation and high winds — those shutdowns could happen with little to no warning and will last as long as the hazardous conditions persist, which could range from hours to days.
Hawaiian Electric has stated that, in the best of circumstances, it will send advance notice about a power outage between 24 hours to 48 hours beforehand. While Hawaiian Electric may shut down power to only selected areas within the PSPS program, it can turn off all power within the program area if necessary.
The DOH on Wednesday urged residents reliant upon electricity for medical devices to discuss power outage planning with their health care providers.
Hawaiian Electric recommends that customers identify backup locations where they can go in case of a blackout, or consider a safe alternative power source. If customers have a backup power source, they should regularly check to make sure it works properly and make sure they, their family members or their caregivers know how to operate the power source.
Customers also can sign up for Hawaiian Electric’s Special Medical Needs Program to receive additional advance notifications about a power outage when possible.
Additional resources for planning for a power outage can be found at the DOH’s preparenowhawaii.org website.
