Avista eyes storm blackouts

COEUR d'ALENE — Avista is adding the possibility of blackouts to its wildfire mitigation plan. 

The utility said Tuesday that if extreme weather conditions, like low humidity and strong winds, are forecast, it may turn off power in specific locations to help protect public safety.

“Based on learning from other utilities who have implemented, it would only be used in the most extreme weather conditions,” said Heather Rosentrater, Avista, president and COO. “We have other operational changes we can make, and we have been working for years to make our system stronger and more resilient. However, as we encounter more extreme weather events, we want to be prepared for all possibilities, and this is now a best practice in our industry.”