PG&E to proactively turn off power to 800,000 California customers ahead of severe wind event
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has begun implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in parts of Northern and Central California as a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risk during the current severe wind event in the area.
The shutoff will affect approximately 800,000 customers in parts of 34 northern, central and coastal counties. PG&E will shut off power in stages, depending on local conditions. The first stage began at midnight today.
“The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our most important responsibility, which is why PG&E has decided to turn power off to customers during this widespread, severe wind event,” Michael Lewis, PG&E’s senior vice president of Electric Operations, said. “We understand the effects this event will have on our customers and appreciate the public’s patience as we do what is necessary to keep our communities safe and reduce the risk of wildfire.”
PG&E opened Community Resource Centers in several locations. The centers are open during daylight hours only and provide restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging and air-conditioned seating for up to 100 people.
The company said that it expects that the weather event will last through midday Thursday, with peak winds forecasted from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning and reaching 40 to 55 mph, with isolated gusts up to 60 to 70 mph.
“Before restoring power, PG&E must inspect its equipment for damage and make any necessary repairs,” the company said in a press release. “That process cannot begin until the severe weather event has subsided. Given the prolonged period during which the wind event will unfold, and the large number of power line miles that will need to be inspected before restoration, customers are being asked to prepare for an extended outage.”
PG&E noted that it will provide updated restoration timelines following the conclusion of the weather event.
