Hawaiian Electric Monitors Wildfire Risk May Cut Power with PSPS “Watch” Alert
High winds and drought conditions trigger Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff “watch” across Maui & Hawaiʻi Island. Learn how the utility and customers are preparing for potential outages .
Heightened Wildfire Alert
On July 5 2025 Hawaiian Electric issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff PSPS “watch” a proactive measure indicating that power may be temporarily shut off in wildfire prone areas on Maui and Hawai‘i Island. The watch spans a 24–48 hour window during which strong winds low humidity and ongoing drought could create conditions conducive to power line sparked wildfires .
“A watch doesn’t mean we will shut off power only that we are monitoring it closely”
— Jim Alberts Senior VP & COO Hawaiian Electric .
Alberts urged residents in high risk zones to prepare for possible extended outages even though no shutdown had been confirmed at the time .
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What Triggers the PSPS “Watch”
Hawaiian Electric evaluates a combination of environmental and meteorological factors before initiating a PSPS watch or shutoff. These include :
- High wind warnings and dry vegetation .
- Ongoing drought currently impacting about 50% of the state .
- Humidity levels dropping below 45% and wind gusts exceeding 45 mph .
- Accumulation of dry fuels e.g. brush and grass on the ground .
A Red Flag warning alone does not automatically trigger a PSPS. Instead decisions are based on real time field inspections AI powered camera systems and weather monitoring .
PSPS Watch vs Activation
Hawaiian Electric introduced the PSPS “watch” phase as a new early alert mechanism following the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires. Here’s how the process works .
Watch Phase
- 24–48 hours ahead of potential action .
- Weather and fuel conditions are continuously monitored .
- Spotters and AI enabled fire detection cameras are deployed .
- Coordination is heightened with emergency services .
Activation Phase
- If conditions worsen power may be proactively shut off in specific areas .
- Advance notice is provided to customers whenever possible .
Customer Preparedness Tips
- Residents in potential shutoff zones are urged to take the following precautions
- Test flashlights radios and backup batteries .
- Charge essential devices and keep fuel for generators .
- Prepare a “go bag” with medicine documents and basic supplies .
- Plan for evacuation especially for those using medical devices .
- Set refrigerators and freezers to the coldest settings to preserve food .
Stay updated via .
- Hawaiian Electric’s PSPS hotline 1‑844‑483‑8666 .
- Utility website and social media channels .
- Local emergency alert systems .
Hawaiian Electric’s Multi Layered Risk Mitigation Plan
To reduce wildfire threats and respond faster Hawaiian Electric has implemented a comprehensive safety strategy including .
- AI powered cameras and 24/7 field spotters .
- Deployment of 53 advanced weather stations in vulnerable zones .
- Replacement of aging wooden poles fuses and overhead lines with fire hardened equipment .
- Installation of fast trip breakers to cut power immediately if faults occur .
- Aggressive vegetation clearing near electrical lines .
- Use of reclose blocking technology to prevent automatic re energization after a line trip .
Funding the Upgrades
The utility has dedicated $350 million to wildfire mitigation between 2025 and 2027 with $137 million allocated for 2025 alone largely focused on Maui County .
Broader Context & Lessons Learned
This ramped up vigilance comes in the wake of the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire one of the deadliest in US history where over 100 lives were lost and utility equipment was scrutinized as a possible ignition source .
Following lawsuits and regulatory investigations Hawaiian Electric committed to major infrastructure upgrades and community safety protocols culminating in todays PSPS framework .
Takeaway Message
The PSPS “watch” is not a power shutoff yet. But it’s a strong indicator that conditions are deteriorating. Hawaiian Electric encourages all residents in vulnerable areas to .
Be prepared stay informed and act early .
Wildfires can ignite in seconds. Advance planning could save lives homes and communities .
For updates visit www.hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS or call 1‑844‑483‑8666 .