PG&E Expands Potential Power Shutoff to 88,000 Customers Due to Fire Weather Forecast
California utility PG&E is expanding planned safety power shutoffs to 88,000 customers across 29 counties due to evolving wildfire weather conditions.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is expanding its planned Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event to potentially impact approximately 88,000 customers in portions of 29 counties. The expansion is in response to a forecasted dry offshore wind event expected from Wednesday evening, October 14, through Saturday morning, October 17, which elevates wildfire risk across California.
As weather conditions evolved, PG&E added approximately 25,000 customers to the event's scope while removing about 7,300. The potential shutoffs could begin Wednesday evening and last through Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Kern County, primarily around Lebec, and a Fire Weather Watch for several other areas in Central and Northern California.
The company has opened more than 40 Community Resource Centers across 23 counties to provide support during the potential PSPS event. These centers offer ADA-accessible restrooms, device charging, Wi-Fi, blankets, air conditioning, bottled water, and snacks.
PG&E is encouraging customers who may need additional support to contact 211 to prepare for potential outages. This service can assist customers who rely on electricity for medical needs or have other specific requirements. Customers can check online at pge.com/pspsupdates to see if their address is being monitored for a potential safety shutoff.