Chelan PUD cancels public safety power shutoff watch

WENATCHEE — Chelan County PUD has ended a public safety power shutoff watch for the greater Chelan and Manson areas after updated forecasts showed weather conditions no longer warranted the precaution.

The utility announced Aug. 2 that the potential public safety power shutoff would not be necessary after weather forecasts improved.

Chelan PUD had warned residents and businesses July 31 to prepare for possible outages as it monitored high winds, dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfire. The utility said power could be temporarily turned off to reduce the possibility of electrical equipment sparking a fire.

Any shutoff could have lasted up to 24 hours while crews waited for winds to subside and inspected power lines for fallen trees, debris and other hazards before restoring service.

Chelan PUD said it will continue monitoring the weather and remain prepared to respond if conditions change.