Black Hills Energy issues Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch near Edgemont
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) — Black Hills Energy has issued an emergency Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Watch for rural areas around Edgemont, Provo and Ardmore, as high fire‑risk conditions are forecast Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The utility says about 180 customers may experience a temporary power shutoff Tuesday if conditions worsen. The precaution is designed to prevent electrical equipment from potentially sparking a wildfire.
“The safety of our customers, employees and communities is our highest priority,” said Wes Ashton, vice president of South Dakota and Wyoming Utilities. Ashton said the PSPS program is a last‑resort wildfire‑prevention tool used only when elevated wildfire risk is present.
Ashton noted that while the company strives to give as much notice as possible before a shutoff, rapidly changing fire conditions may force an outage with little or no warning. Impacted customers will receive updates through text alerts, email notifications, local media and the company’s website throughout the event.
How Residents Can Prepare
Black Hills Energy is encouraging customers in affected areas to take steps now in case a shutoff becomes necessary:
- Ensure contact information is current on the Black Hills Energy website.
- Have a backup plan for refrigerated medications or electrically powered medical equipment.
- Build an emergency kit and share preparedness plans with neighbors.
- Stay clear of downed power lines and immediately call 911 if any are spotted.
More information about PSPS protocols and safety resources is available at blackhillsenergy.com/psps.
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