Anindita Chatterjee
Updated on: October 16, 2024 10:08 am GMT
As fire season approaches, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has started preemptive power shutoffs across Northern California to reduce wildfire risks during extreme weather conditions. This year, more residents may face power outages as the utility ramps up efforts to keep communities safe.
Preemptive Power Shutoffs in Napa County
On Monday evening, PG&E planned to shut off power to 143 customers in northwest Napa County, according to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office. This outage was expected to last from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following day. Authorities noted that this measure aimed to reduce the fire risk amid high temperatures and gusty winds.
- Location: Northwest Napa County, north of Tubbs Road
- Time: Outage starts at 6 p.m. Monday
- Duration: Expected until 7 a.m. Tuesday
In response, a community resource center will be open in Calistoga for residents needing assistance. The center’s address is 1307 Washington St., and it will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday.
Potential Shutoffs in Other Regions
Notices were also sent out to residents in surrounding areas regarding potential outages. PG&E indicated the following numbers of customers could face shutoffs:
- Alameda County: 57 customers
- Contra Costa County: 286 customers
- Sonoma County: 11 customers
PG&E cautions that these outages may change based on weather conditions. Tamar Sarkissian, a PG&E spokesperson, explained, “We are seeing some very high temperatures combined with some gusty winds. These factors can create a risk of wildfire.”
Recent PSPS Events
Early on Monday morning, PG&E initiated its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) plan affecting around 9,400 customers across five counties, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Shasta, and Tehama. The outages were part of a planned response to dry weather and wind gusts that reached up to 46 mph in some areas.
By late morning on October 1, power was restored to all affected customers. Most outages had been resolved by the previous evening, with crews working diligently to ensure safety.
Monitoring Weather Patterns
PG&E’s meteorology team is closely watching the weather for patterns that might influence future shutoffs. They reported peak wind gusts of 46 mph in Butte County and 43 mph in Shasta County, stressing the seriousness of the situation.
- Gust Speeds: Up to 46 mph in Butte County
- Safety Measures: Crews inspected 827 miles of power lines
During their inspections, crews found two instances of damage that could have posed a serious fire threat if power had not been shut off. This careful approach highlights PG&E’s commitment to prioritizing customer safety during fire season.
Staying Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay informed regarding power shutoffs and safety measures by visiting PG&E’s official website at www.pge.com/pspsupdates. This resource provides real-time updates tailored to specific locations.
Conclusion
Wildfires are a big danger in Northern California right now, and PG&E is turning off power to keep everyone safe. Since the weather can change quickly and fires can start easily, it’s really important for people to be ready and know what’s going on. By learning about possible power outages and using the resources that are out there, communities can help each other stay safe during these tough times.
