Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that may impact approximately 15,000 customers across 17 counties and three tribal areas starting Tuesday, November 5. PG&E is monitoring high wind conditions and dry vegetation, which are forecasted to increase fire risk. Customers in areas that may be affected have been notified.
Election Day Impact
The planned PSPS could coincide with Election Day activities. PG&E has identified one polling location, the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center in Lake County, that might be impacted after in-person voting hours end. Backup power is being arranged for this site. Currently, no vote tabulation centers are within the projected shutoff area, according to PG&E.
Weather Conditions and Fire Risk
PG&E meteorologists expect strong wind gusts exceeding 50 mph across parts of Northern California, with higher elevations possibly reaching up to 70 mph. Humidity levels are expected to drop to 15–30% in some areas, which could increase fire risk mid-week. PG&E’s criteria for initiating a PSPS include factors like low humidity and high winds, and these thresholds are expected to be met by Tuesday night.
Areas Potentially Affected
Customers in counties such as Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Lake, and Santa Clara may experience outages. Three tribal communities—Cortina Rancheria in Colusa County, Grindstone Rancheria in Glenn County, and Middletown Rancheria in Lake County—are also within the projected shutoff areas. PG&E advises customers to check their addresses on its Outage Center website (www.pge.com/pspsupdates) for location-specific information.
Resources and Preparations
To support customers, PG&E will open Community Resource Centers (CRCs) in impacted areas where residents can charge medical equipment and access essential services. PG&E has also staged additional crews and materials to assist with power restoration and equipment issues. Medical Baseline customers, who rely on power for life-sustaining equipment, will receive additional outreach as needed.
Customer Preparedness and Safety Tips
PG&E recommends customers prepare for possible power shutoffs by charging phones, using battery-operated flashlights, and keeping refrigerators closed to preserve food. Customers with backup generators can review safety guidelines on PG&E’s website.
About PSPS Events
PG&E initiates PSPS events as a precautionary measure when weather conditions present a risk of wildfires. The criteria for these events include factors such as low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation.
For further information, updates, and emergency resources, customers can visit PG&E’s PSPS update site or contact PG&E’s customer service.
