{"id":393883,"date":"2020-12-05T21:56:14","date_gmt":"2020-12-06T02:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/?p=393883"},"modified":"2020-12-05T21:56:14","modified_gmt":"2020-12-06T02:56:14","slug":"potential-psps-update-forecasted-high-winds-and-dry-conditions-mean-pge-might-proactively-turn-off-power-for-safety-in-targeted-portions-of-16-counties-and-two-tribal-communities-beginning-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/potential-psps-update-forecasted-high-winds-and-dry-conditions-mean-pge-might-proactively-turn-off-power-for-safety-in-targeted-portions-of-16-counties-and-two-tribal-communities-beginning-early\/","title":{"rendered":"Potential PSPS Update: Forecasted High Winds and Dry Conditions Mean PG&E Might Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety in Targeted Portions of 16 Counties and Two Tribal Communities Beginning Early Monday Morning"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Potential PSPS Update: Forecasted High Winds and Dry Conditions Mean PG&E Might Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety in Targeted Portions of 16 Counties and Two Tribal Communities Beginning Early Monday Morning<\/b><\/p>\n

Approximately 92,000 customers who might be affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoff are receiving a second notification today, more than a day ahead of the potential event<\/i><\/p>\n

Due to changing weather conditions, customers in Monterey and Sierra counties are no longer in scope<\/i><\/p>\n

Late-season wind event proving unpredictable as updated forecast adds some counties and removes others from the PSPS scope<\/i><\/p>\n

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nPacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has notified customers in targeted portions of 16 counties and two tribal communities about a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting early Monday morning (Dec. 7). Dry conditions combined with expected high wind gusts pose an increased risk for damage to the electric system that has the potential to ignite fires in areas with dry vegetation.\n<\/p>\n

\nHigh fire-risk conditions are expected to arrive late Sunday evening with high winds forecast to continue early Monday morning, peaking in strength during the day Monday, and possibly lingering in some regions through early Tuesday. Once the strong winds subside, PG&E crews will patrol the de-energized lines to ensure they were not damaged during the severe weather. PG&E will safely restore power as quickly as possible, with the goal of restoring most customers within 12 daylight hours, pending weather conditions.\n<\/p>\n

\nAlthough there is still uncertainty regarding the strength and timing of this wind event, the shutoff is forecasted to affect approximately 92,000 customers in targeted portions of 16 counties, including Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Lake, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sonoma, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Yuba, as well as two tribal communities.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe number of customers expected to be impacted by this upcoming PSPS event has decreased to 92,000 from the earlier 130,000 originally in scope. The decrease is due to changing weather conditions resulting in the removal of Monterey and Sierra counties. However, Butte, Kern and Plumas counties have now been added to the PSPS scope area; there are less than 100 customers expected to be impacted in these counties combined.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe highest probability areas for this PSPS are the Central Sierra and the North Bay. This is not expected to be a widespread event in the Bay Area at this time.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhen extreme weather conditions are forecasted, PG&E considers proactively turning off power for safety, as such weather conditions increase the potential for damage and hazards to PG&E\u2019s electric infrastructure, which could cause sparks if lines are energized. These conditions also increase the potential for rapid fire spread.\n<\/p>\n

Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff: What Customers Should Know<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The potential PSPS event is still more than 24 hours away<\/b>. PG&E\u2019s in-house meteorologists as well as staff in its Wildfire Safety Operation Center and Emergency Operation Center continue to monitor conditions closely, and additional customer notifications will be issued as we move closer to the potential event.\n<\/p>\n

\nCustomer notifications\u2014via text, email and automated phone call\u2014began late yesterday afternoon, approximately two days prior to the potential shutoff. Additional customer notifications will be issued as we move closer to the potential event. Customers enrolled in the company\u2019s Medical Baseline program<\/a> who do not verify that they have received these important safety communications will be individually visited by a PG&E employee with a knock on their door when possible. A primary focus will be given to customers who rely on electricity for critical life-sustaining equipment.\n<\/p>\n

\nThe new stay-at-home order, issued yesterday, exempts essential workers in critical infrastructure sectors, including energy; PG&E employees are allowed to continue providing services.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhile PSPS is an important wildfire safety tool, we know that losing power is disruptive, especially for those with medical needs, customers working from home and students engaging in distance learning in response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).\n<\/p>\n

\nPSPS events are a last resort when the weather forecast is so severe that people\u2019s safety, lives, homes and businesses may be in danger of significant wildfires.\n<\/p>\n

Potentially Affected Customers<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Here is a list of customers by county who could potentially be affected by this PSPS event.<\/strong><\/p>\n