As wildfire seasons become longer and more destructive, Alberta electricity providers are introducing programs designed to intentionally shut off power in high-risk areas, like the Bow Valley, before wildfires start. The strategy, known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), involves intentionally shutting off electricity during extreme conditions to reduce the risk of power lines sparking wildfires. This month, electricity providers AltaLink and FortisAlberta presented the program to Canmore town council. …Utilities say the decision to proactively shut off power would depend on extreme weather conditions such as wind speed, humidity, vegetation dryness and wildfire danger ratings —all of which can increase the risk of power lines sparking a wildfire. “It is not a decision we take lightly,” says AltaLink vice-president of operations Evan Mitchell. “We need to see conditions where, if a spark were to start, there is a risk it could produce a catastrophic wildfire.”