Black Hills Energy Issues Emergency Power Shutoff

Utility takes precautionary measure due to high fire risk in Edgemont, Provo and Ardmore

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Black Hills Energy, the utility provider for parts of South Dakota, is conducting a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Tuesday in the towns of Edgemont, Provo and Ardmore. The shutoff is scheduled to last from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is a precautionary measure due to high fire-risk conditions in the region, including a nearby wildfire that has already burned 58 acres.

Why it matters

Power shutoffs are becoming more common as utilities try to prevent wildfires during periods of high fire danger. These temporary outages can cause disruptions for residents and businesses, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared for such emergencies.

The details

Black Hills Energy, the utility provider for parts of South Dakota, is conducting a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Tuesday in the towns of Edgemont, Provo and Ardmore. The shutoff is scheduled to last from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is a precautionary measure due to high fire-risk conditions in the region, including a nearby wildfire that has already burned 58 acres just outside Custer in the Black Hills.

  • The PSPS is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • The Grey Rock Fire has already burned 58 acres just outside Custer in the Black Hills.

The players

Black Hills Energy

The utility provider for parts of South Dakota.

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The takeaway

This power shutoff highlights the increasing frequency of such precautionary measures taken by utilities to prevent wildfires during periods of high fire danger. It underscores the need for communities to be prepared for potential disruptions and have emergency plans in place.