Idaho Power is monitoring weather conditions Saturday in Southeast Idaho to determine the wildfire risk.
The utility is considering isolated public safety power shutoffs if it’s determined that incoming thunderstorms have a significant chance of triggering wildfires. High winds from storms can cause tree branches and other objects to be blown into power lines, increasing the potential for fire.
Idaho Power will be in touch with any customers subject to a public safety power shutoff so they are forewarned that their electrical service could be temporarily suspended.
These shutoffs would impact a small percentage of customers in any given area, the utility said.
Idaho Power said isolated public safety power shutoffs are possible after 3 p.m. Saturday in the Pocatello, American Falls and Arbon Valley areas.
Any public safety power shutoff in the Pocatello or American Falls areas could last for at least three hours while such a shutoff could last for at least 10 hours in the Arbon Valley area, Idaho Power said.