Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced the possibility of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in Plumas and Sierra Counties starting Thursday, as dry, northerly winds are expected to increase wildfire risk. PG&E’s meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, and the company’s Emergency Operations Center is fully activated to manage potential power outages.
Affected Areas and Customer Impact
In Plumas County, approximately 658 customers, including 27 enrolled in PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program, may experience outages. Sierra County could see around 972 customers affected, with 41 Medical Baseline customers. PG&E has begun notifying customers in these targeted areas via text, email, and automated calls.
Wind Forecast and Safety Measures
The weather event is expected to begin around noon on Thursday and could extend until midday Saturday. PG&E’s decision to initiate a PSPS is based on the forecast of sustained winds over 19 miles per hour, gusts of 30-40 mph, and dry vegetation conditions. A Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service and real-time observations from field crews are also factors in determining the need for power shutoffs.
PG&E representatives will prioritize in-person visits to Medical Baseline customers who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment if they cannot verify receipt of safety communications.
Resources for Residents
PG&E advises residents in potentially impacted areas to check their address online at https://www.pge.com/pspsupdates for real-time updates. Customers are encouraged to prepare emergency plans and update their contact information to receive timely notifications.
For those without a PG&E account, ZIP code alerts are available at [www.pge.com/pspsupdates](https://www.pge.com/pspsupdates). PG&E’s Safety Action Center also offers tools for emergency preparedness, including the “Make Your Own Emergency Plan” tool, available in multiple languages.
PG&E’s Ongoing Wildfire Safety Efforts
PG&E continues its wildfire prevention efforts through its extensive undergrounding program, reinforcing electric systems, and utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones for fire detection. These measures aim to minimize the need for PSPS events and enhance grid reliability while addressing evolving climate challenges in California.
You are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential outages as PG&E monitors conditions throughout the event.
