PHOTO: Kremmling Line Superintendent Bill Tucker and MPE crew conduct power line fire mitigation near Parshall, Colo. in 2016
When wildfire risk is high, like it was this summer, MPE adopts stringent fire prevention grid protocols. Unfortunately, this increases the possibility of electric service interruptions. While our focus is providing affordable and reliable power, grid management also requires us to mitigate fire risks. As local authorities relax fire restrictions, MPE’s grid will return to normal operation. We expect fewer outages in the months ahead.
Under what circumstances will MPE de-energize power lines when wildfires are in close proximity?
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Mountain Parks Electric’s (MPE’s) first and foremost priority is consumer, public, fire fighter and wildlife safety.
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So far, MPE has not taken any lines out of service, but will do so if an immediate threat is posed to our infrastructure or Incident Command directs MPE to do so.
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If sections of our electric grid are taken out of service, MPE will restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
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MPE has numerous redundant power lines and uses them to restore power wherever possible.