PG&E warns of potential power shutoffs in California due to wildfire risk

PG&E Corp. has issued warnings regarding potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) across parts of Central and Northern California this weekend. The utility may cut electricity to approximately 12,200 customers across 17 counties to mitigate the risk of wildfires sparked by dry, gusty winds and low humidity.

The potential outages are expected to occur between Friday, Oct. 9, and Monday, Oct. 12. Forecasts indicate strong westerly winds with gusts between 30 and 45 mph, potentially reaching 55 mph in the Northern Sierra, followed by north winds in the Sacramento Valley.

Affected areas may include Napa, Yolo, Tehama, Solano, Shasta, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Kings, Merced, Kern, San Joaquin, Alameda, and San Benito counties. PG&E stated it is working with local authorities to provide resources, noting that the decision to cut power is made to reduce the risk of electrical equipment inadvertently starting fires during periods of elevated danger.