Roberta Aguirre
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are temporary power outages that are implemented in areas with a high risk of wildfires. Severe weather conditions, such as high winds, can cause trees or debris to damage equipment, and if there is dry vegetation, it could spark a wildfire. PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) provides alerts and notifications to customers in the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto area to inform them of potential power shutoffs. On October 9, 2019, PG&E announced a list of cities and counties in the Sacramento region that would have their power shut off the following day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Sacramento Airport affected by PG&E Power Shutoff? | It is unclear if Sacramento Airport is affected by PG&E Power Shutoff. However, there are reports of cities and counties in the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto area that have been affected by power shutoffs. |
| Reason for Power Shutoff | Severe weather, such as high winds, can cause trees or debris to damage equipment. Power shutoffs are a preventive measure to avoid wildfires. |
| Alert for Power Shutoff | Due to changing weather conditions, alerts for power shutoff may be sent on the same day the power is shut off. |
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What You'll Learn
Sacramento businesses close during power shutoffs
Sacramento businesses have been impacted by power shutoffs in the past, with PG&E reporting major outages in the region. During a power safety shutoff, communities can be left without power for days or even weeks, causing disruptions to businesses and residents alike.
In October 2019, widespread power shutoffs across Northern California raised concerns among residents and businesses in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. While SMUD and Roseville Electric customers were expected to be unaffected, a potential shutdown of a major transmission line by PG&E could impact other utilities downstream. This interconnectedness of power grids means that even if Sacramento's power providers assert they have backup power sources, a significant disruption by PG&E could still have indirect effects on the city's power supply.
The impact of power shutoffs on Sacramento businesses can be significant, as seen in the case of Old Sacramento's Rio City Cafe, which was forced to close on a Saturday due to the power outage. Small businesses, in particular, bear the brunt of these shutoffs, dealing a blow to their operations and causing financial losses.
Additionally, power shutoffs can affect essential services in Sacramento. For instance, during one power outage, paramedics in the LAFD had to carry people down stairs in a building in White Memorial because the elevators were not functioning. Power outages can also impact transportation, as seen with the Capitol Corridor train routes, which had to adjust fares due to the power disruptions.
While the Sacramento International Airport has not been specifically mentioned as being affected by the PG&E power shutoffs, the widespread nature of these shutoffs and the interconnectedness of power grids mean that there is always a chance of impact. It is advisable for travelers to check the airport's website or social media for the latest updates during periods of power shutoffs in the region.
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High winds and dry conditions cause power shutoffs
High winds and dry conditions can cause power shutoffs, known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). This is a safety measure to prevent wildfires, as high winds can cause trees or debris to damage equipment, and dry vegetation can easily ignite.
During high wind events, public utility companies may implement power shutoffs to prevent flying debris from coming into contact with power lines and potentially starting a fire. In addition to high winds, low humidity and dry ground conditions are also key factors in determining the risk of wildfires.
When there is an elevated risk of wildfires, utility companies will notify customers in specific areas that a PSPS will likely occur to reduce the risk. These notifications are typically sent out via email, phone call, and/or text, and customers can also view PSPS maps to see if they may be affected.
After a PSPS, power will be restored once the weather conditions are safe. Crews will then inspect power lines to ensure they are safe to operate and have not been damaged by high winds.
PSPS events can be disruptive, but they are necessary to help ensure public safety and reduce the risk of wildfires.
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Power shutoffs are a wildfire prevention method
Strong winds, dry conditions, and fire threats can turn power lines into ignition sources. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are used as a last resort to prevent power lines from becoming a possible source of ignition and starting a wildfire. Extreme weather, such as high winds, can cause trees or debris to damage equipment, and if there is dry vegetation, this could lead to a wildfire.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has sorted regions into tiers according to their wildfire risk. Homes and businesses in Tiers 2 and 3 wildfire risk areas are more likely to experience a PSPS. Customers who do not live in high-risk areas may also be affected due to the interconnectedness of the electrical grid.
Before a PSPS event, utility companies will monitor extreme weather forecasts and prepare for potential shutoffs. They will also notify customers in advance, usually a few days ahead of time, via email, phone call, text, and/or social media. During a PSPS, utility companies prioritize customer safety and provide updates on power restoration.
To prepare for a PSPS, customers should keep their contact information up to date, sign up for alerts, and have a family safety plan in place. It is also recommended to keep mobile devices fully charged, have essential supplies ready, and identify evacuation routes.
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Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto area affected by power shutoffs
In 2019, the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto area was affected by a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). PG&E provided a list of cities and counties in the area that would have their power shut off. Here is a list of the counties and the number of customers affected:
- Amador (16,041 customers): Pioneer, Jackson, Sutter Creek, Pine Grove, Plymouth, Volcano, Fiddletown, River Pines, Amador City, Drytown, Martell, Ione, and West Point.
- Calaveras (23,708 customers): Arnold, Angels Camp, Copperopolis, Murphys, San Andreas, West Point, Mountain Ranch, Mokelumne Hill, Rail Road Flat, Vallecito, Wilseyville, Hathaway Pines, Avery, Glencoe, Douglas Flat, Sheep Ranch, and White Pines.
- Colusa (1,813 customers): Arbuckle, Stonyford, Williams, Sites, and Maxwell.
- El Dorado (51,396 customers): Placerville, El Dorado Hills, Pollock Pines, Cameron Park, Camino, Rescue, El Dorado, Somerset, Cool, Shingle Springs, Georgetown, Garden Valley, Diamond Springs, and Pilot Hill.
- Stanislaus (1,088 customers): Westley, Grayson, Patterson, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, La Grange, Modesto, and Riverbank.
- Tuolumne (34,413 customers): Sonora, Groveland, Twain Harte, Jamestown, Tuolumne, Mi Wuk Village, Pinecrest, Columbia, Soulsbyville, Long Barn, Strawberry, Chinese Camp, Cold Springs, and Moccasin.
- Yolo (5,792 customers): Winters, Esparto, Guinda, Capay, Brooks, Madison, and Rumsey.
- Yuba (6,919 customers): Marysville, Browns Valley, Oregon House, Wheatland, Dobbins, Camptonville, Smartville, Challenge, Rackerby, Strawberry Valley, Loma Rica, Forbestown, Clipper Mills, Bangor, La Porte, and North San Juan.
A PSPS is a temporary power outage that is implemented when severe weather, such as high winds, could cause wildfires. Customers are usually alerted ahead of time via email, phone call, and/or text, but in some cases, the first alert may be sent on the same day as the power shutoff due to changing weather forecasts.
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PG&E provides PSPS updates
PG&E provides updates on Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to keep customers informed and safe during severe weather events. A PSPS is implemented when severe weather, such as high winds, could cause trees or debris to damage equipment and potentially lead to wildfires. PG&E understands the impact of power outages on customers and strives to provide timely and accurate updates.
During a PSPS event, PG&E offers several resources to support customers, including non-English language resources. Customers can refer to the PG&E website or other official channels for the latest updates on specific PSPS events, such as the one that occurred from July 5-6, 2024, or the upcoming scheduled event from October 17-20, 2024.
It's important to note that weather forecasts can be unpredictable, and changes in weather conditions may impact the timing and scope of a PSPS. In some cases, the first alert may be sent out on the same day the power is shut off. PG&E encourages customers to stay informed through their preferred communication channels and to prepare for potential power outages in advance.
PG&E provides detailed reports and notifications for each PSPS event, including event notifications, damage point assessments, and de-energized area information. This information helps customers understand the scope and impact of the power shutoff and make necessary arrangements. Customers can refer to these resources to stay informed and plan accordingly during a PSPS.
By offering PSPS updates, PG&E aims to prioritize customer safety and minimize the potential impact of severe weather events. Customers are encouraged to review the provided resources and take necessary precautions to maintain their well-being during temporary power outages. These updates are an essential part of PG&E's commitment to community wildfire safety and emergency response.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sacramento Airport is affected by PG&E power shutoffs, also known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
A PSPS is a temporary power outage initiated by PG&E during severe weather conditions, such as high winds, to prevent wildfires.
High winds can cause trees or debris to damage equipment. If there is dry vegetation, this could spark a wildfire.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has sorted regions into tiers based on their wildfire risk. Areas in Tiers 2 and 3 are more likely to experience a PSPS.
You can sign up for Address Alerts to receive notifications about possible PSPS events in your area via phone or text in multiple languages. PG&E also offers extra alerts for vulnerable customers who rely on power for health and safety.
