PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff

As part of PG&E’s wildfire safety efforts, PG&E is expected to turn off the power on days with a high risk of wildfire as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Customers are advised to prepare for outages that could last longer than two days. Outages can impact any PG&E customer, regardless of whether they live in a high fire-threat area. 

Before a PSPS, PG&E will aim to provide customers with 48 hours advanced notice via phone call, text or email. However, weather conditions can change quickly, and PG&E may unable to fully execute their noticing protocols.  

After the extreme weather event has passed, PG&E will conduct inspections and any necessary repairs before power can be restored. 

View the PG&E PSPS Fact Sheet (PDF)

用中文了解更多這項相關資訊 (PG&E PSPS Fact Sheet in Chinese, PDF)

How to Prepare:

  • Update your contact information to receive alerts about the power shutoff. Visit www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-743-6589 during normal business hours.
  • Plan for medical needs, like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.
  • Identify backup charging methods for phones.
  • Keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
  • Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies, and cash.
  • Keep in mind family members who are elderly, younger children, and pets/livestock.
  • Know how to manually open your garage door.
  • Traffic signals may be out, so treat those intersections as four-way stops.
  • Ensure backup generators are ready and safe to use.
  • You may experience reduced cellular coverage, depending on the length of the outage.
  • For emergency assistance, always call 9-1-1.

During an Outage:

PG&E encourages residents to take these steps:

  • Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment, and electronics to avoid damage caused by surges when the power is restored.
  • Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. Then turn your appliances on one at a time.
  • Typically, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours--if the freezer and refrigerator doors are kept closed. Consider using coolers with ice to keep food cold and safe.
  • Be sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors only. Do not use a gas stove for heat.
  • Check on your neighbors.

Medical Baseline Customers

Through PG&E's Medical Baseline Program, customers who have special energy needs due to qualifying medical conditions can receive extra notifications in advance of a PSPS and also receive a lower rate on their monthly energy bill. 

To enroll in the Medical Baseline Program, customers must complete an application that includes fields that must be completed by their doctor. The application is available on the PG&E website.