Emergency Outage Kit
Prepare for a power outage before the storm hits by creating an emergency outage kit.
Public Safety Power Shutoff
Our Public Safety Power Shutoff plan helps us prevent wildfires and keep our communities safe. If extreme weather conditions threaten our ability to safely operate the electrical grid, we will turn off power to help protect public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS.
Our emergency line is available 24 hours a day.
Montana: 888-467-2669 | South Dakota/Nebraska: 800-245-6977 | In case of a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.
Public Safety Power Shutoff Map
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff event, this map will show an approximate outline of the affected area.
Tips for using the Public Safety Power Shutoff Map:
- During a Public Safety Power Shutoff event, the approximate outline of the affected area will be visible on the map.
- Click on the colored area for details.
- Click the magnifier glass icon in the top right corner of the map to search for a specific address. The map will zoom to that location to show whether it is part of the affected area.
- Check back regularly, as the map will be updated with the latest information.
Note: The outlines shown on this map are an approximation of the affected area. If you are going to be impacted by a Public Safety Power Shutoff, we will reach out to you directly via the email address and/or phone number we have on file.
Measure of Last Resort
Measure of Last Resort
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are a measure of last resort. Our Wildfire Mitigation Plan includes numerous strategies to prevent our power lines from sparking a wildfire.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are used only in extreme situations during severe fire weather.
What are the different stages of a Public Safety Power Shutoff event?
Our Public Safety Power Shutoff strategy includes a clearly defined, phased approach that guides us in the decision to implement a shutoff.
During each stage of the process, we are assessing the need for a public safety power shutoff. During any stage, we may decide a proactive outage is not needed.
If your home or business will be impacted by a Public Service Power Shutoff, you will hear from NorthWestern Energy a number of times throughout the process. NorthWestern Energy is committed to providing as much advance notice as reasonably possible to help you prepare for a PSPS event.
- Monitoring - As fire danger increases, NorthWestern Energy will closely monitor the situation and assess the need for a Public Safety Power Shutoff. As soon as we enter the "PSPS monitoring" phase, our website will be updated with information, and we will reach out to local community agencies, such as police, sheriff and fire departments.
- Watch - When we reach the stage of "PSPS watch," customers who may be impacted will receive an automated call from NorthWestern. We will continue to update our website and reach out to media organizations and community leaders.
- Alert - If a PSPS becomes imminent, we advance to the "PSPS alert" stage. At this point customers will be contacted again via a call campaign. Community members, media and stakeholders will be notified as well.
- Shutoff In-Effect - When we de-energize our power lines, we will continue to update our website as we monitor the situation.
- Closeout - When we restore power, impacted customers will receive another automated call to let them know power has been restored.
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
If extreme weather conditions threaten our ability to safely operate the electrical grid, we will turn off power to help protect public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS.
What triggers a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
Public Safety Power Shutoff events are used only during forecasted extreme weather conditions that lead to high fire risk. These are the primary factors we look at in determining if a Public Safety Power Shutoff is necessary:
Heat
Low humidity
High Wind
Dry vegetation
Public Safety
How will I be notified of a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
Automated Phone Calls
NorthWestern Energy website
NorthWestern Energy Outage Map
Social Media
Text Message
Paid Advertising
(Radio, TV, etc.)
Emergency Resources
State and national organizations offer resources during an emergency.
Life Support and Outages
Power is especially critical to customers who use life-support devices.