Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff Event in California

En Buenas Manos Podcast

This episode examines a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is considering in California due to dry conditions and high winds that heighten the risk of wildfires. The episode emphasizes that PG&E has narrowed the scope of the potential shutoff compared to earlier projections because of improved weather conditions in certain regions.

• It is estimated that approximately 20,000 customers across 24 counties could be impacted.
• The shutoff could commence as soon as Thursday afternoon and potentially extend until Saturday afternoon in some areas.
• The episode provides a detailed list of each county that might be affected, including the number of standard customers and those registered in the Medical Baseline Program who may face power disruption.

The episode also highlights the support PG&E plans to offer during the shutoff, including Community Resource Centers. These centers aim to provide:

• A secure space for community members to address basic power needs, such as charging medical equipment and electronic devices.
• Real-time information on the PSPS event.
• Essential supplies like water, snacks, blankets, and ADA-accessible restrooms to alleviate hardship for customers.
• These centers will be available in impacted counties, operating between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m..

Furthermore, the episode outlines safety precautions customers can take to prepare for the shutoff. These include unplugging appliances, employing battery-powered flashlights, and informing alarm companies about potential disruptions to alarm systems. It underscores the importance of generator safety as part of emergency preparedness and directs listeners to PG&E's website for comprehensive information on backup power options. The episode explains the rationale behind PG&E's decision to initiate PSPS events. Such events are called when severe fire weather conditions pose a significant threat to public safety, property, and lives due to wildfire risk. It stresses that PG&E's primary objective is to prevent catastrophic wildfires by proactively de-energizing power lines in specific areas during extreme weather events. While acknowledging the inconvenience PSPS events cause to customers, the episode reiterates PG&E's commitment to prioritizing customer safety. Finally, the episode directs listeners to various resources for further information and assistance. Customers can consult PG&E's emergency website, available in 16 languages, to find details about the PSPS event, update their contact information, and sign up for ZIP Code Alerts. They can also visit PG&E's Safety Action Center to create personalized family emergency plans using the "Make Your Own Emergency Plan" tool.