Molly Ayala
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are planned outages that help prevent wildfires and keep communities safe. PG&E, or the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, implements PSPS in response to severe weather conditions, such as high winds, dry trees, and dry ground, to mitigate the risk of wildfires. While PSPS events aim to protect the public, they can cause temporary inconveniences and disruptions. PG&E provides PSPS alerts to account holders and offers resources to help individuals prepare for and navigate through power shutoffs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) |
| Reason | Prevent wildfires |
| Trigger | Severe weather, dry trees and ground, high winds |
| Alerts | Sent as early as possible, day or night |
| Alert Methods | Phone, text, email |
| Alert Languages | Multiple languages |
| Alert Customization | Address Alerts for important addresses |
| Alert Requirements | PG&E account |
| Timing | Dependent on weather forecasts, which can change |
| Reports | Filed with the CPUC after each PSPS |
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What You'll Learn
PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are planned outages that help prevent wildfires and keep people safe. Severe weather, such as high winds, can cause trees or debris to damage equipment. If there is dry vegetation, this could lead to a wildfire. That's why PG&E may need to turn off the power to keep people safe. PG&E will send PSPS alerts as early as possible, both day and night, as needed. This is a requirement from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). If you are a PG&E account holder, you do not need to sign up to receive PSPS alerts. However, it is important to ensure that your contact information is up to date so that you can be informed of potential power outages.
Weather forecasts can change, which could shift the shutoff timing or the number of affected customers. Because of this, in some cases, the first alert might not be sent until the same day the power is shut off. PG&E offers Address Alerts that can notify you of a possible PSPS at any address that is important to you or your loved ones. You can receive these alerts by phone or text in multiple languages. If you rely on power for health and safety, extra PSPS alerts are available.
After each PSPS, PG&E files a report with the CPUC. PG&E also submits progress reports on their efforts to improve the PSPS process. For example, on December 15, 2023, PG&E released a Public Safety Power Shutoff report and supplemental Excel file. Additionally, PG&E did not de-energize any customers for PSPS in 2022. On October 22-24, 2022, PG&E did not proceed with de-energization despite the weather event.
The 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. Tier 2 is an area with an elevated risk of wildfires, while Tier 3 indicates an extreme risk. While PSPS events may reduce the risk of utility-associated wildfires, they can also bring their own risks and hardships, especially for vulnerable communities and individuals.
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PSPS alerts
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are planned outages that help prevent wildfires and keep communities safe. A PSPS occurs in response to severe weather, specifically dangerous fire weather conditions that include strong winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity. During these conditions, power is turned off to reduce the risk of a wildfire caused by utility equipment.
PG&E account holders will automatically receive PSPS alerts as early as possible, both day and night, as required by the California Public Utilities Commission. Alerts can be received in multiple languages and by phone, text, or email. PG&E also offers extra PSPS alerts for those who rely on power for health and safety. It is important to ensure that your contact information is up to date to receive these alerts.
Address Alerts can notify you of a possible PSPS at any address of importance, allowing you to monitor multiple addresses. Additionally, PG&E provides a 7-day forecast for PSPS events and offers discounts on backup power solutions. Resources are available to help you choose the right backup power option and learn how to use it safely.
It is important to stay prepared and informed about PSPS events. PG&E provides safety tips and resources to help customers before, during, and after a power outage. Having an emergency plan in place can ensure the safety of your family during outages. While losing power is frustrating and inconvenient, PSPS events prioritize safety by helping to prevent wildfires.
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Preventing wildfires
In recent years, wildfires have become larger and more destructive, resulting in devastating loss of life and billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage. To prevent wildfires, utilities may temporarily disconnect power to specific areas. These outages are known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
PSPS events are a last resort to reduce the risk of utility-associated wildfires. Electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) may cut power to electrical lines if they reasonably believe there is a significant risk that strong winds may topple power lines or cause vegetation-related issues, increasing the risk of wildfires. PSPS events can, however, leave communities and essential facilities without power, which brings its own risks and hardships, especially for vulnerable communities.
PSPS events occur in response to severe weather. Power is turned off when trees and the ground are dry, and there are high winds, to prevent wildfires. PSPS events have mainly occurred in California, where wildfires have become more destructive in recent decades. However, other states are increasingly adopting PSPS, including Hawaii, Texas, Idaho, and Colorado.
To prepare for PSPS events, PG&E sends PSPS alerts to account holders as early as possible, both day and night. PG&E also offers to help customers choose the right backup power solution and teaches them how to use it safely.
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PG&E's reports on PSPS
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are planned outages that help prevent wildfires and keep people safe. PG&E files a report with the CPUC after each PSPS and also submits progress reports on their efforts. These PSPS reports are available on the PG&E website, with the most recent ones being from December 2020 and January 2021. The reports are in PDF format and provide details on the PSPS events, including the dates, locations, and any relevant amendments.
PSPS events occur in response to severe weather, particularly when there is a high risk of wildfires due to dry conditions and high winds. PG&E provides PSPS alerts to account holders, as required by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). These alerts can be received in multiple languages, and customers can choose to receive alerts for specific addresses that are important to them.
PG&E also offers resources to help customers prepare for power outages, such as safety tips and guidance on choosing the right backup power solutions. They also provide updates during PSPS events, informing customers about power restoration progress and any necessary repairs.
In the week of November 4, 2021, PG&E issued a PSPS update, stating that they had begun de-energizing customers in Lake, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties due to forecasted high winds and low humidity. They also mentioned their focus on preventing outages at voting and tabulation centers during Election Day. By Thursday, November 7, approximately 85% of customers impacted by the PSPS outages had their power safely restored.
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Choosing a backup power solution
PG&E, or the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, conducts Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in response to severe weather to help prevent wildfires. While PG&E sends out PSPS alerts, the timing of these shutoffs can change due to changing weather forecasts.
To prepare for these shutoffs, you can choose a backup power solution. Here are some options to consider:
Portable Generators
Portable generators are a good option if you only need to back up a few things for short periods. They typically have lower upfront costs than battery backups, ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 on average. However, they require fuel to run, which increases operating expenses. Additionally, they may require regular maintenance or inspections. When choosing a generator, consider dual-fuel engines that can run on gasoline or liquid propane (LP). A 4,000-watt generator is a popular option that often includes features like remote start and carbon monoxide minders.
Home Battery Backup Systems
Home battery backup systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall or LGES 10H and 16H Prime, store energy to power your home during outages. They are environmentally friendly and can help reduce electricity bills if you have a time-of-use utility plan. While they have higher initial costs, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 on average, they can be more cost-effective in the long run as they don't require fuel. Additionally, they can be mounted to walls or floors, making installation easier.
Power-Tool Batteries with Inverters
If you already own cordless power tools, you can use their batteries with an inverter to power devices with standard 120 V outlets and USB ports. This option is cost-effective if you already have batteries from brands like Ego, Ryobi, DeWalt, or Milwaukee. However, it may not be ideal if you don't own many cordless-tool batteries, as purchasing multiple individual batteries can be expensive.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
A UPS provides battery backup power and protection for electronic devices, computers, home networking equipment, and more. It ensures uninterrupted power and protects against damage and failure due to blackouts, voltage fluctuations, and power disruptions. UPS systems are essential for businesses to prevent financially crippling downtime during power outages.
When choosing a backup power solution, consider your specific needs, budget, and usage patterns. Additionally, PG&E can help you choose the right backup power solution and teach you how to use it safely.
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Frequently asked questions
PG&E stands for Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
PSPS stands for Public Safety Power Shutoff. It is a planned outage that helps prevent wildfires and keeps people safe.
PG&E shuts down electricity in response to severe weather, such as dry trees and ground, and high winds, to prevent wildfires.
If you are a PG&E account holder, you will automatically receive PSPS alerts. You can also choose to receive alerts in your preferred language.
PG&E can help you choose the right backup power solution and teach you how to use it safely.
