PG&E warns of potential power shut-offs during Northern California heat wave

As California braces for a heat wave this week, Pacific Gas and Electric 
Co. warned Sunday of potential power shut-offs in parts of the Bay Area 
and elsewhere in Northern California to help prevent its electrical 
equipment from sparking wildfires.

PG&E officials were monitoring weather conditions for a possible public 
safety power shut-off Tuesday in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Napa, Shasta, 
Solano, Tehama and Yolo counties. During the shut-offs, the utility 
preemptively turns off customers’ power in areas with elevated fire risk 
when weather forecasts predict gusty winds and dry conditions.

Dry, hot and windy conditions are in the forecast this week, raising the 
risk of wildfires. The National Weather Service issued a red flag 
warning for parts of the Sacramento Valley, Lake County and Solano 
County. High temperatures in the North Bay valleys are predicted to 
range from 100 to 110 degrees Tuesday.

“As of now, no PSPS has been called, and no customers have been 
notified, as the potential event is more than two days away,” said PG&E 
spokesperson Karly Hernandez.

Specific details — including addresses and maps that could be affected 
by the shut-offs — are available two days before the shutoff, according 
to PG&E’s website.

PG&E customers can sign up for text or phone call alerts on its website.

“We are committed to keeping our communities informed and will provide 
updates as conditions evolve,” Hernandez added.

Reach Jessica Flores: [email protected]  Twitter: @jesssmflores

https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/pg-e-power-shut-offs-19548244.php