07/24/2024
If you live in Montana and aren't yet aware that NorthWestern Energy has a plan to cut off all power as part of Public Safety Power Shutoff to reduce the risk that our power grid could start a fire like the one that burned Paradise CA a couple of years ago.
I'm worried sick...
Please reach out and encourage our elected officials to consider the effect a total power outage will have on our unhoused, elderly, housebound, and disabled/differently-abled citizens of Helena.
I've sent the following message to the Mayor and the Governor, to our City Commissioner, County Commissioner, and State Representative. Here's my message - edit it for your needs or use it to inform your response:..
As one of your constituents, I’m concerned about NorthWestern Energy’s Public Safety Power Shutoff plan:
1. My husband, Ken, relies on a concentrator for supplemental oxygen, and while we have a small air conditioner and an air cleaner, we cannot survive without electricity. He has severe asthma, aFib and an enlarged heart, and suffered a moderate stroke a month ago. While he is not bed-bound, he is housebound during this period of very poor air quality and excessive heat.
2. What is the City's/County's/State's plan for supporting, assisting, caring for its elderly, sick, disabled citizens? Most of whom are dependent on electricity for severe health issues, even life-threatening issues.
3. Are there cooling stations with clean, filtered air planned? Phone, tablet, laptop charging stations? Water sites?
4. Will you be coordinating with any groups to do health and safety checks on those who will be most affected?
5. Will the City/County/State be organizing a response?
6. Is there a point person/group who is managing the City's/County's/State's responses?
Thank you for your help and leadership during this critical time!
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) outages involve de-energizing electrical infrastructure in specific areas, during periods of time where the risks of continuing to operate electrical infrastructure are unacceptably high.
