PG&E revises PSPS coverage, now says more than 1,000 in Solano could lose power
(Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) increased the number of customers who could have their electrical service shut off on Tuesday in an effort to prevent the start and spread of wildfires.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the utility warned that 1,093 customers in rural parts of Winters, Vacaville, Fairfield and Suisun City could lose their electrical service between Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Thursday at 2 a.m. — a significant increase from the 71 customers first reported on Monday.
(Image courtesy PG&E, Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The larger area covered by the potential PSPS event includes areas that were impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex fire that crossed into Solano County nearly one year ago today. The fire destroyed hundreds of structures and scorched thousands of acres of land.
Affected residents and businesses who are within the expanded PSPS area are being alerted by phone, text message and e-mail, PG&E officials said on Tuesday. The county says it will open a community resource center at the Solano Community College satellite campus (2001 North Village Parkway) in Vacaville between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Tuesday and again from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
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 f 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.”
PG&E customers can check to see if their residence or business is covered by the PSPS event by entering their address into the PG&E PSPS portal, which can be accessed by clicking or tapping here.
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