HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/16/2024 10. Distributed at the Meeting %�''' '
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL Distributed at theme/�
. 04)
Meeting 7fi(vi3ed`f 44.141.
129 North Second Street
Cite Hall, Yakima, Washington 98901
1, -A Phone(509) 575-6050 • Fax (509) 576-6335
July 16, 2024
Mr. Ryan Flynn
President &CEO
Pacific Power
825 NE Multnomah St.
Portland, OR 97232
Dear Mr. Flynn,
On behalf of the Yakima City Council, I am writing to share the City's concerns regarding Pacific Power's
"de-energizing" policy. This year the policy has caused outages several times across wide swaths of the
City impacting tens of thousands of residents and businesses, the vast majority of which have been well
clear of the wildfire in question. The implementation of this new policy has had far-reaching impacts on
• the safety of the community, but also on the livelihoods and integrity of business owners and businesses
operating within and adjacent to the City.
The need to de-energize electrical systems in the vicinity of a wildland fire to lessen its potential to spread
and for the safety of those fighting the fire or trying to evacuate is understood. What is happening with
the implementation of the policy is for more than that and in many cases is creating unsafe situations.
These PP&L initiated power outages are resulting in critical infrastructure like traffic signals, street lights,
water and sewer pump stations, power to critical facilities like government offices,fire and police stations,
our public safety radio system, suffering hard shut down that makes them inoperable and creates
problems on start up. The same is true of critical privately-owned medical and commercial facilities. The
implementation of this policy is arguably creating greater liabilities to the safety of the public than it is
avoiding.
Aside from the great risks posed to the safety of the public,the immediate and unexpected PP&L initiated
loss of power with no prior notice or coordination has generated countless complaints within the
community. This lack of coordination on the part of PP&L has made a bad situation even worse, in that
emergency responders are being kept in the dark until there is no power.
We stand with the Yakima County Board of County Commissioners and demand at a minimum the
following:
1. Improved Communication: Implement a notification system that ensures timely and clear
communication with all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and local authorities.
Establish a task force involving Pacific Power representatives and local agencies to regularly
discuss and address concerns related to the de-energizing policy and explore potential
improvements.
Yakima
.2015
1994
404,4?
4444).
2. Critical Infrastructure Support: Develop contingency plans to support critical infrastructure
and vulnerable populations during power outages, including the provision of backup power
supplies for healthcare facilities and emergency services.
3. System Improvements: Upgrade PP&L power systems so the outages can be limited to the
areas of concern and not have to deenergize large areas not within the area of concern to
address a small portion that is in jeopardy.
4. Incident Protocols: Local authorities that are managing the fire risk should be consulted prior
to any"de-energizing" events. Our first responders on scene are trained and have firsthand
knowledge of what is necessary to address a given event. As important,they understand the
potential impacts of deenergizing power to different areas of the community.
The City is committed to working with Pacific Power to develop solutions that better serve and protect
the public, businesses, and critical infrastructure during wildland fire events. We are convinced that
together, along with other stakeholders, we can develop a more strategic approach that protects the
community, reduces liability, minimizes impacts for all, and allows our first responders the flexibility they
need during a wildland fire event to efficiently and effectively extinguish the fire.
We look forward to your response and to working together on a path forward that serves the best
interests of Yakima residents and businesses, as well as Pacific Power.
Sincerely,
Patricia Byers
Mayor