MPE WILDFIRE MITIGATION

Higher sensitivity fire protection settings are protection modes used across the electric industry during elevated wildfire risk.

• When counties impose fire restrictions, MPE uses higher sensitivity fire protection settings.
• When the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning, MPE may move to even higher sensitivity settings known as Hot Line Tag.

These settings are sensitive enough that MPE also uses them to keep crews safe while working on energized lines. When a fault is detected, power shuts off almost instantly instead of trying to automatically re energize.

MPE adjusts system settings based on real time wildfire danger, including:

• Local fire restrictions
• Red Flag Warnings
• Weather conditions such as wind, heat, and dryness

When conditions improve, the system is returned to normal operating settings.
 

No. MPE’s approach focuses on targeted, higher sensitivity protection settings, not widespread, long duration shutoffs. While outages can still occur, this strategy helps reduce wildfire risk without shutting off power to large areas for days at a time.

Our goal is always to keep the lights on. However, during extreme wildfire conditions, allowing the system to “ride through” faults can increase fire risk.

Sometimes, the safest power is no power.

As frustrating as outages are, a brief interruption is far less damaging than a wildfire that could threaten lives, homes, firefighters, and entire communities.

When higher sensitivity fire protection settings are active, linemen must physically patrol the affected line before power can be restored. This ensures the hazard has been fully cleared and that re energizing the line will not recreate the risk.

Because MPE’s service territory is large and rural, these patrols can take time—but they are critical for public and firefighter safety.

MPE continues to upgrade the system to limit outage impacts, including:

• Installing additional protective devices deeper into the distribution system so outages can be isolated to smaller areas
• Adding smarter equipment that can better detect and respond to faults
• Expanding remote monitoring and control so more of the system can be placed into fire safe modes quickly

These investments help reduce both wildfire risk and the number of members affected when outages occur.

Wildfire protection settings rely heavily on hands on field work. Linemen manually switch, verify, patrol, and coordinate protective devices across the system—often using multiple crews.

After outages, linemen work closely with engineers to fine tune settings so the system performs even better during future events.

MPE’s wildfire mitigation efforts include:

• System wide aerial inspections to identify and correct potential hazards
• Ongoing equipment upgrades that improve fault detection and isolation
• Expanded SCADA and remote control technology for faster response
• Targeted undergrounding in high risk areas as budgets or grant funding allow
• Enhanced vegetation management, including a transition from a 10 year trim cycle to a 4 year cycle to reduce vegetation contact with power lines

These efforts improve safety during wildfire season and enhance everyday reliability year round.

MPE already averages above 98% reliability annually, and in 2025, power was available 99.97% of the time for the average member.

Rebuilding or undergrounding large portions of the system would come at an astronomical cost, and as a member owned cooperative, those costs would ultimately be paid through electric rates. That’s why MPE prioritizes investments where they provide the greatest safety and reliability benefits.

MPE has invested in automated smoke detection camera systems in high risk areas. These tools help identify potential fires early and notify responders faster, improving response times and safety.

MPE works closely with first responders and transmission partners during wildfire events. In situations like the Windy Gap Fire, MPE coordinated to de energize infrastructure where necessary, protect firefighters, reroute power when possible, and restore service safely.

Members can stay informed by:

• Viewing the Outage Map at www.MPEI.com/Outages
• Signing up for outage alerts through SmartHub
• Following Mountain Parks Electric on Facebook for updates during major events

Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and keep members informed when difficult decisions must be made.

Helpful steps include:

• Keeping phones and battery packs charged
• Having flashlights available
• Planning ahead for medical or mobility needs
• Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed during outages
• Signing up for outage alerts through SmartHub
   

Generators can be helpful if used correctly. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. The safest option is a professionally installed transfer switch. Always operate generators outdoors and follow carbon monoxide safety guidelines to protect your household and lineworkers.

Members can help by:

• Maintaining defensible space and managing vegetation on their property
• Reporting damaged or sagging power lines immediately
• Avoiding spark producing activities during Red Flag conditions
• Calling 811 before you dig to prevent damage to underground utilities

• Even during extreme wildfire conditions, power availability remained very high
• Investments made for wildfire protection also improve everyday reliability