Manager’s Message – July 2026

Wildfire Season Is Here

Wildfire season has arrived in our service territory. Neighboring utilities have already experienced high-fire-risk conditions, leading to a Public Safety Power Shutoff in June.

In the event of extreme fire weather conditions, we also have a plan in place to implement a PSPS as a last resort. While these will only be used if absolutely necessary, we’re prepared to temporarily shut off power in high-risk areas.

Wildfire season’s unpredictability can make you feel helpless. Being informed and prepared puts you back in control—even in a worst-case scenario.

What to Expect

• Red Flag Warning: When weather conditions indicate risk is high for wildfire ignition and rapid spread, the National Weather Service will issue Red Flag Warnings and fire weather watches. These conditions include warm temperatures, very low humidity, strong winds, drought, and dry vegetation. When these types of extreme conditions exist, Northern Lights will consider activating our wildfire-prevention procedure, which reduces fire risks but can result in more frequent and longer power interruptions.
• Public Safety Power Shutoff: Northern Lights collaborates with wildfire experts and emergency responders to determine when power shutoffs are needed for public safety. While shutting off power reduces the risk of sparks from tree branches hitting power lines, it is our last resort.
• Communication: We will do our best to notify our members of the possibility of a PSPS. We understand that losing power can create hardships and make receiving notifications more difficult. We will send updates about outages and power restoration via text messages and/or phone calls, along with posts to our website and social media channels.

Update Your Contact Information

At Northern Lights, we’re always thinking about safety. Again, shutting off power is a last resort, and we will always do our best to notify you if there’s potential for a planned outage.

Make sure Northern Lights has your current contact information for safety alerts. Call (208) 263-5141 during business hours, use your SmartHub app, or visit our website to update your contact information and ensure we have a current mobile number on file for you.

Annie Terracciano
General Manager