PG&E could shut off power in parts of Solano County on Tuesday
(Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is warning customers in 16 counties that they may lose electrical service due to high wildfire dangers, starting Tuesday evening.
Out of nearly 40,000 customers who could be affected by the planned safety power shutoff (PSPS) event, 71 are in Solano County, with three identified by the utility as “medical baseline” customers who have a greater dependency on electrical service for various health and medical needs.
Another 100 customers in Yolo County could have their power service interrupted Tuesday evening, while more than 1,800 customers in Napa County could have their electricity shut off as a precaution, the company said. The most-significant and widespread blackouts are likely to occur in Butte County and Shasta County, the utility said.
PG&E did not differentiate between residential and business customers in its press release issued on Monday, nor did it offer more specifics on where it might shut off power beyond the county level. It said affected customers have already started receiving notifications through phone calls, e-mails and text messages; other customers can check their home or business address on PG&E’s website to determine if they’re covered by the potential PSPS event.
The need for a potential PSPS event comes after PG&E’s weather forecasters determined dry, offshore wind had the potential to spark wildfires in certain parts of its coverage area.
PG&E said it issues a potential PSPS alert based on a number of factors, including low humidity levels, a forecast of high wind, dry conditions and weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
“This year, our decision-making process is evolving to also account for the presence of trees tall enough to strike power lines when determining if a PSPS event is necessary,” a PG&E spokesperson said on Monday. “Every wildfire season is different, and the ongoing drought and the conditions will determine the number of times we will need to shut off power, without compromising safety.”
For more information on PG&E’s PSPS event, click or tap here.
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