As the Bay Area braces for an approaching heat wave, PG&E has issued warnings about potential power shutoffs that could affect customers in several Northern California counties. The heat wave, expected to be the most intense of the year, is set to hit during the July 4th week, with temperatures in San Francisco predicted to reach the 80s and possibly up to 90 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday. In areas like Napa, San Jose, and Vacaville, temperatures could soar well over 100 degrees.
The combination of high temperatures and wind gusts raises the risk of wildfires, prompting PG&E to consider Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to prevent potential fire hazards. The counties that might be affected include Napa and Solano in the Bay Area, as well as Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Shasta, Tehama, and Yolo counties. While the shutoffs may not be widespread, PG&E has advised about 96 customers in Solano County and 9 customers in Napa County to prepare for possible outages.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning, indicating increased wildfire risk for parts of Sonoma, Napa, and Lake counties. This warning is in effect from 11 PM Monday night through 5 PM Wednesday. The early start to wildfire season, combined with the use of fireworks during the July 4th celebrations, exacerbates the risk. National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Merchant emphasized the critical dryness of grass fuels, advising against the use of fireworks to prevent rapid fire spread.
PG&E has stated that some shutoffs are “likely” on Tuesday, although no specific warnings have been issued for Wednesday yet. “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. The utility company is committed to keeping communities informed and will provide updates as conditions evolve.
Customers can sign up for text alerts on the PG&E website to receive notifications about possible shutoffs affecting their addresses. The website also features a shutoff area map with updated information on potential outages.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has been actively overseeing the preparedness of electric utilities for PSPS events. The CPUC requires utilities to present their plans and efforts to mitigate customer impacts and coordinate with public safety partners, critical infrastructure, and facilities. These presentations include updates on community resource centers, critical facilities, PSPS exercises, education and outreach, and notifications.
In recent years, the CPUC has driven utilities to improve their PSPS event execution based on lessons learned from previous events. Utilities have submitted pre-season and post-season reports detailing their preparedness and response efforts. These reports include plans for community resource centers, critical facilities, PSPS exercises, education and outreach, and notifications.
The CPUC’s oversight aims to ensure that utilities are better prepared for PSPS events and can effectively communicate with customers, especially those most vulnerable or with access and functional needs. The goal is to minimize the impact of power shutoffs on communities while ensuring public safety during high-risk conditions.
As the heat wave approaches, PG&E and the CPUC continue to monitor the situation closely. Customers are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prepare for potential power shutoffs. By conserving energy and following safety guidelines, communities can help reduce the risk of outages and wildfires during this critical period.
Source: KGO, KPIX, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, National Weather Service
