By Shannon Lukens.
Yampa Valley Electric members have received a Red Flag Warning over the weekend about being in Fire Protection Mode. This is for electrical safety that can help prevent wildfires during extreme weather conditions. This is a way to set protective devices on the electrical system to automatically de-energize the lines if a faulty current is detected, which may be caused from downed power lines. During Fire Protection Mode, there may be longer and more frequent power outages, but YVEA says it is to protect our communities and members.
Yampa Valley Electric Association has sent a detailed press release which explains more in-depth the Red Flag Warning and Fire Protection Mode.
Press Release: YVEA Alerts Members About Fire Protection Mode
July 15, 2024 – With the first Red Flag Warning being issued on Sunday, Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA) has sent out a notice to members regarding Fire Protection Mode (FPM) for electrical safety. FPM is a highly-sensitive setting for electrical grids that helps prevent wildfires during extreme weather conditions.
“In many parts or our system we have electrical devices, known as reclosers, that will automatically de-energize and then re-energize our overhead power lines to clear what are often temporary faults. This means that when an object (i.e. trees or other vegetation, animals, etc.) creates an interruption to the line, the electric system devices will operate and try to clear the temporary fault on the line. It will do this a few times, blinking the power off/on before the protection devices will de-energize the line completely until the issue is located and repaired. Moving to FPM means that the system may only make one attempt to clear the faulted line before de-energizing,” YVEA CEO Steve Johnson explained.
According to John Cromer, Operations Manager at YVEA, “What this will mean for members is that when we are in FPM, they can anticipate longer and more frequent outages. We know that longer outages are an inconvenience to our members and crews, but our only focus when it comes to going into FPM is the protection of our communities and members.”
During a Red Flag warning, YVEA implements wildfire prevention protocols in the areas covered by the Red Flag warning. This includes moving our system into Fire Protection Mode (FPM), setting protective devices on the electrical system to automatically de-energize the lines if they detect a faulty current that could be from downed power lines.
During red flag conditions, YVEA’s management staff will evaluate the conditions and take actions that are deemed appropriate. In most cases, placing our system in a Fire Protection Mode (FPM) setting will be our first line of defense. FPM allows us to keep the system energized while making it less prone to be a potential ignition source. We do this by making the system more sensitive to electrical fault conditions in an attempt to only de-energize the faulted part of the electrical system.
Chase Tucker, Safety Coordinator with YVEA says, “Only under imminent danger to life or property will YVEA implement an immediate de-energizing of our system. When we implement an immediate de-energizing of the system, this is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).” Examples of this would be if a fire has started and fire-fighting crews need the power shut off for their safety or if lines are on the ground that are energized. “The challenge with implementing a PSPS system-wide is that all lines would have to be patrolled before power could be restored,” Tucker continues. “This could take weeks.” By setting the system on FPM, only those lines that lose power have to be patrolled. The other benefit to setting the system on high sensitivity versus PSPS is fire districts, businesses and homes still have access to water to defend properties. PSPS is truly a last line of defense and one that will only be used in extreme circumstances.
There are a lot of member communications that will go out if we move a system into FPM, and YVEA is strongly encouraging members to ensure all of their email, phone number, and text preferences are up to date. “When we need to alert members about this important safety information, we will be sending out autocalls, text messages, and emails. Members need to be sure they are receiving this critical information so they can plan and prepare for potentially extended outages. Make sure you are signed
up with the correct SmartHub notifications and that YVEA has all your most recent contact information. Please call us at 970-879-1160 to verify your information today,” said Carly Davidson, Public Relations Specialist.
For additional information on how to prepare for wildfires and what YVEA’s wildfire mitigation plan is, please visit https://www.yvea.com/outages-safety/wildfire-mitigation/
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Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA) is a member-owned electric cooperative serving nearly 28,500 meters and 23,000 customers over 2,840 miles of line covering a 7,000 square-mile service territory in northwest Colorado and southern Wyoming. We provide safe, affordable, reliable power and efficient energy services to members. We help our communities thrive by striving to provide innovative, affordable and environmentally sound solutions, while fostering leadership and growth throughout our region. More information is available at www.yvea.com.