Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff for Hughenden and Surrounding Area

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AltaLink is monitoring extreme wildfire conditions forecast for Sunday, May 3, within the Municipal District of Provost No. 51 area. If extreme conditions remain, AltaLink may need to take the proactive measure to temporarily shut off two transmission lines as a preventative public safety measure to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition.

AltaLink is actively monitoring conditions in the area including wind speeds, temperature, ground conditions and fuel sources. AltaLink is working closely with fire behaviour analysts and meteorologists and have resources on site to review and verify conditions.

If power does need to be shut off to the two lines, this action would result in a loss of power to approximately 300 customers in the Village of Hughenden and the surrounding area until conditions are safe to restore power.

This is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and is used as a last resort measure during extreme and dangerous wildfire conditions. A PSPS involves temporarily de‑energizing transmission lines when the risk of ignition is deemed severe. This action is not taken lightly. A PSPS is a preventative tool used to protect communities and public safety.

When conditions improve, AltaLink crews will conduct inspections of impacted transmission lines and equipment to check for any damage, debris or conditions that could present a wildfire risk. Power will be restored once wildfire conditions have improved and AltaLink crews confirm it is safe to re-energize the lines.

AltaLink will continue to share updates through its social media channels (Facebook: altalinktransmission and X: AltaLink) and www.altalink.ca as conditions evolve and if a PSPS is activated.

Residents and businesses in the affected area are encouraged to prepare for a potential power outage and take steps now to be ready. Albertans are encouraged to stay informed, understand the potential impacts of wildfires and power outages, and prepare by:

• Creating an emergency plan that accounts for potential power outages and evacuations
• Gathering a 72-hour emergency kit with essential supplies
• Ensuring a backup power plan is in place for medical devices that require electricity
• Ensuring your electricity retailer has your updated contact information to receive alerts
• Following your utilities on social media for real-time updates

About AltaLink
Headquartered in Calgary, with offices in Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge, AltaLink is Alberta’s largest electricity transmission provider, with approximately 13,400 kilometres of transmission lines and approximately 310 substations. AltaLink is partnering with its customers to provide innovative solutions to meet the province’s demand for safe, reliable and affordable energy.