In observance of Discoverers' Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. 
Prepare for a PSPS
There are many ways to prepare for a power outage due to a PSPS. Learn how to get ready
PSPS Hotline
Call 1-844-483-8666 toll free
Wildfire Safety Symposium
We invited wildfire safety experts to participate in a two-day event focused on reducing Hawaii’s wildfire risk. Learn more and view presentations
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
A Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, is an important part of our overall strategy to keep you and your property safe now and for years to come. These proactive power shutoffs are one way we can help prevent wildfires when certain conditions exist, such as hot, windy weather in areas where dry vegetation surrounds our equipment. These conditions may lead to damaged powerlines or debris flying onto powerlines, which increases the risk of a fire starting.
We understand how much you rely on safe, reliable power, so our decision to implement a PSPS is made with great care. Let’s learn about how a PSPS works and what you can expect. For customers who need assistance in other languages, you may access information here.
PSPS areas by island
We’ve identified specific areas on each island that have high wildfire risk and may be subject to a PSPS. The areas were developed with information on fire history, wind data, vegetation, evacuation routes and the location of Hawaiian Electric infrastructure.
The PSPS process
No single factor drives PSPS. We carefully review a combination of criteria when determining if power should be turned off for safety. These factors generally include forecasts of strong winds and very low humidity levels, along with critically dry vegetation and on-the-ground observations from field crews.
There are three primary criteria for declaring a PSPS (keeping in mind that every situation is unique):
- Persistent drought conditions
- Wind gusts 45 mph and higher
- Relative humidity below 45%
It’s important to know that a National Weather Red Flag Warning DOES NOT automatically trigger a PSPS. Red Flag Warnings have been issued in only four of the past 10 years and wind gusts above 45 mph are rare in most areas in summer months.
We have also begun deploying a network of high-resolution video cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) technology and weather stations to provide enhanced situational awareness and early detection of ignitions in elevated fire risk areas near company infrastructure.
Here’s what happens before, during, and after a PSPS:
1. PSPS Alert
24-48 hours before a possible PSPS
Weather data, including statements from the National Weather Service, indicate conditions for heightened wildfire risk, and we are considering a PSPS. We’ll do our best to provide advance notice, but if conditions are suddenly hazardous we may have to shut off your power with little or no notice. Activate your emergency plan, keep your home survival kit handy and pay attention to notifications from Hawaiian Electric and its emergency partners.
2. Happening
During a PSPS
Power is shut off only in high wildfire risk areas for the safety of the community. We’ll do everything we can to provide regular updates across multiple media platforms during the event.
3. Restoration begins
When it’s safe
Once the fire weather threat has ended, crews will begin patrolling, looking for downed lines and other hazardous conditions. Crews will restore power once it’s safe, which may take hours or even days depending on the location and extent of damage. Learn more about the steps to restore power after a PSPS.
4. Restoration complete
PSPS is over
The immediate threat has passed and power has been restored. But we’ll continue to monitor conditions so we can keep our customers and communities safe.
Customer tools and community resources
We encourage you to review our Emergency Preparedness Handbook for detailed guidance and resources you may need before, during, and after a PSPS.
Partner Organizations
Check for additional resources and support by visiting our partner organization websites:
If you need to speak to a customer service representative, please contact us at the following:
| Island Region | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Oahu | (808) 548-7311 |
| Maui | (808) 871-9777 |
| Molokai and Lanai | 1-877-871-8461 (Toll-Free) |
| Hilo | (808) 969-6999 |
| Kona | (808) 329-3584 |
| Waimea | (808) 885-4605 |
Frequently asked questions
A PSPS, short for Public Safety Power Shutoff, is a process electric utilities use to deactivate power in high-risk conditions for safety purposes. We only take this step as a last line of defense to help protect communities and property during periods of heightened wildfire risk. A PSPS may be triggered by extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds and low humidity, posing risk such as damage to power lines, airborne debris impacting power infrastructure, and surrounding dry vegetation that could exacerbate wildfire hazards.
We will try to provide as much advance notice as possible. In a best-case scenario, we will send a warning notification 24-48 hours before a PSPS begins. However, if conditions are suddenly hazardous, we may need to shut off power with little or no notice.
Customers will receive PSPS notifications via emails, phone calls, texts, social media updates, mobile app notifications, and news releases. It is vital to maintain up-to-date contact information and download our mobile app for push notifications.
The duration of a PSPS will depend on the duration of extreme weather conditions and heightened risk. Once conditions improve, our team will begin the restoration process and inspect any equipment for damage before reenergizing power.
PSPS frequency varies, depending upon the severity of seasonal weather conditions.
