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22h ago

PG&E Begins Precautionary Bay Area Power Shutoffs Ahead of Weekend Wind Event

The measures aim to prevent wildfires by cutting power during projected weekend gusts of up to 35 mph accompanied by critically low humidity.

PG&E has announced potential power outages in the Bay Area this week due to high winds.
Earthquakes owner John Fisher during a game between San Jose Earthquakes and Nashville SC at PayPal Park on September 23, 2023 in San Jose, California.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said parts of the Bay Area could see preemptive power shutoffs amid a forecast calling for high winds. 
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Overview

  • Roughly 1,000 customers—647 in Alameda, 275 in Contra Costa and 48 in Santa Clara counties—lost power when PG&E activated a Public Safety Power Shutoff on June 19.
  • The utility plans to keep the PSPS in effect until Saturday afternoon, with restoration windows varying by county.
  • PG&E initiated the shutdown after the National Weather Service forecast 20–35 mph wind gusts and humidity as low as 15 percent this weekend.
  • Community resource centers at Livermore’s Costco and Brentwood’s Balfour-Guthrie Park provide charging stations, air conditioning and other support.
  • The precaution follows PG&E’s history of wildfire-related liability, including its criminal manslaughter conviction and millions in fines since 2017.