#USA #Oakland #Pacific Gas #Electric Company #Fire Weather

PG&E's Planned Public Safety Power Shutoff in Response to Wildfire Risks

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has officially announced a planned public safety power shutoff (PSPS) that may impact around 88,000 customers across 29 counties due to an anticipated dry offshore wind event. This safety measure comes in light of a statewide fire weather forecast that extends from October 14 through October 17. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Kern County, and a Fire Weather Watch from Bakersfield across the southern plains through San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara.

The initial scope of the power shutoff included 25,000 additional customers, while 7,300 customers were removed from the affected list as conditions changed. PG&E is urging affected customers to prepare for possible power outages and to reach out for additional support by calling 211 or texting “PSPS” to 211. This service is particularly vital for individuals with medical needs, disabilities, or those requiring special assistance.

To ease the potential hardship during the outages, PG&E is planning to set up over 40 Community Resource Centers in 23 counties. These centers will provide crucial resources like ADA-accessible restrooms, device charging stations, Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks, and blankets. The facilities will be equipped to assist those impacted by the PSPS event, ensuring that all needs are duly addressed.

Residents can determine whether their specific locations are under the scrutiny of the planned shutoff by visiting PG&E's PSPS updates page. Counties projected to be affected include Alameda, Butte, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, and many more, covering a vast area and a varied population.

Here's a list of some of the counties and their estimated customer impacts:

• - Alameda County: Approximately 4,705 customers affected.
• - Fresno County: About 3,010 customers.
• - Merced County: An estimated 590 customers.
• - Santa Barbara County: Roughly 1,100 customers are in line to be impacted.

Most importantly, approximately 5,500 of those affected are Medical Baseline customers—individuals who rely on electricity for their health-critical medical conditions. PG&E's proactive strategy is aimed at minimizing fire hazards while also addressing the specific needs of its customers.

The PSPS events, while necessary for the preservation of safety, have led to heightened concerns among the community regarding power accessibility. PG&E has committed itself to improving communication and support systems for its customers amid these measures. As public safety remains the priority, the utility company also emphasizes the importance of being prepared—advising local residents to stock up on essentials and identify alternative support systems in advance of the shutoffs.

To stay informed, customers are encouraged to frequently check for updates on the PG&E website, where resources and information will be consistently available during the duration of the event. In a statement from PG&E, they highlighted, “The safety of our customers and communities is our top priority. We are working diligently to keep our customers informed and prepared.”

For all inquiries regarding the outages and support resources available, customers may visit the PG&E Outage Center's dedicated page for helpful information and assistance.