PG&E power shutoffs could impact more than 11,000 Bay Area customers
PG&E plans power outages for Bay Area, Northern California
The power is expected to be cut to about 11,000 PG&E customers in the Bay Area and as many as 70,000 across Northern California from Oct. 15 to Oct. 17 because of dry, windy conditions. The utility says the outage is a safety precaution to prevent the risk of wildfire.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Pacific Gas and Electric is alerting customers in 29 California counties that their power may be shutoff as the utility monitors a statewide fire weather system that is moving into the area starting Wednesday. As many as 11,408 customers in five Bay Area counties may be impacted.
Fire weather & potential power outages
The shutoffs are a preemptive measure to help prevent wildfires from being sparked by the utility's equipment.
The system with these fire danger conditions is expected to continue through Saturday morning.
PG&E has notified the customers, including those in Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
Bay Area counties affected by PG&E shutoffs
- Alameda - 4,705 customers
- Contra Costa - 1,605 customers
- Napa - 3,027 customers
- Solano - 30 customers
- Sonoma - 2,041 customers
PG&E says customers who have already been notified should be prepared if a public safety power shutoff occurs.
The utility advises customers to charge their phones, medical equipment and other devices. Have flashlights with fresh batteries available and to avoid using candles. Have a supply of drinking water available along with nonperishable food items and necessary medications.
Finding information
You can find out more from PG&E about these potential power shutoffs on their website. You can look up your shutoff status by address, and you can see the approximate shutoff outage map.
The utility is planning to open more than 40 community resource centers across the state during the power shutoff event. These centers provide ADA-accessible restrooms, Wi-Fi, blankets, air conditioning, bottled water, snacks and other supplies.
Dry weather conditions
The National Weather Service described the conditions as "near-critical fire weather" for the North and East Bay interior mountains. The overnight winds will lead to dry air or a lack of humidity and the potential for extreme fire behavior.