FAQs
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are planned, short-notice power outages in areas experiencing a high risk of wildfire, as determined by PG&E. The goal is to reduce the risk of PG&E equipment starting a fire.
PG&E decides when and where to implement PSPSs without public input. The company will notify local government and work closely with first responders during a PSPS.
When will it happen?
PG&E will activate PSPSs during periods of extreme fire risk.
Conditions that could trigger a PSPS may include a Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service, a forecast of sustained winds above 25 m.p.h., humidity forecast below 20 percent and dry vegetation.
How much notice will we get?
PG&E plans to notify the Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services, police and fire 48 hours before a PSPS, providing local jurisdictions with an estimated timeline and maps.
Plans may change depending on weather and fire danger in the affected area, and it is possible that local government will receive less than 48 hours of notice before a PSPS.
How will I be notified?
The Community Warning System will send public safety instructions by phone, text or email to affected subscribers – sign up to make sure you have reliable, timely safety information.
Public agencies will relay PSPS information to the public through web sites, social media and the local news media.
PG&E also sends alerts to customers who sign up for the service by phone, text or email.
When will power come back?
Outages will last until peak fire danger passes. PG&E estimates that a PSPS could last as long as five days.
PG&E will prioritize restoring power to healthcare facilities, first responders and other community infrastructure.
Restoring power to all affected customers could take several more days because the company must inspect all its equipment before turning it back on.