PG&E Warns of Possible Power Shutoffs for Thousands in Bay Area Due to Increased Fire Risk

PG&E Issues Power Shutoff Warnings as Fire Danger Rises

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has notified thousands of customers across California, including more than 11,000 in the Bay Area, that public safety power shutoffs may occur this week in response to heightened wildfire risk. The warnings come as strong winds and dry weather conditions are forecast to persist through Saturday evening.

Elevated Fire Risk Across 29 Counties

The utility’s announcement affects approximately 70,000 customers statewide. High winds and low humidity are expected to increase the risk of potentially catastrophic wildfires, prompting PG&E to consider preventive power outages in 29 counties across California. In the Bay Area, customers in Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties are at risk of experiencing outages.

Bay Area Power Shutoff Breakdown by County

PG&E estimates the following number of customers could be affected in each Bay Area county:

• Alameda: 4,705 customers (including 213 on the medical baseline program)
• Contra Costa: 1,605 customers (92 medical baseline)
• Napa: 3,027 customers (138 medical baseline)
• Solano: 30 customers (1 medical baseline)
• Sonoma: 1,783 customers (69 medical baseline)

The term "medical baseline" refers to customers who depend on electricity for medical and independent living needs. Special consideration is given to these individuals during any planned power outage.

Diablo Winds and Weather Forecast

PG&E noted that "offshore Diablo winds will peak Thursday across the northern and central Sierra, as well as into portions of the North and East Bay." The National Weather Service expects temperatures to steadily warm starting Tuesday, with the peak arriving on Thursday and Friday, further contributing to the fire danger. Power shutoffs are typically initiated when humidity levels fall to 30% or below and forecasts predict high winds.

PG&E's Enhanced Weather Modeling and Decision Process

According to PG&E, the scope of the current event is significant, but the company has implemented new tools to make its power shutoff decisions more precise. "New modeling tools have been implemented to allow for higher resolution weather data which allows us to be more surgical when scoping," the company stated. They also highlighted the use of machine learning wind gust models at weather station levels, which help fill in gaps left by traditional weather forecasting models. This technology aims to better target areas most at risk for wildfires while minimizing unnecessary outages elsewhere.

Next Steps and Ongoing Monitoring

As of Tuesday afternoon, PG&E indicated that decisions regarding the implementation of planned outages could be made within roughly 12 hours. However, the situation remains dynamic and subject to change as forecasts and on-the-ground conditions evolve.

Source: kron4.com.