Learn about PSPS events for large businesses
PSPS overview
A Public Safety Power Shutoff, also called a PSPS, occurs in response to severe weather. We turn off power to help prevent wildfires and keep communities safe. Multiple factors are at play when deciding to turn off your power and we take the decision very seriously.
Although your location may not be in a high fire-threat area or an area experiencing high winds, your power may be shut off if your business relies on a line that runs through an area with severe weather. Or, a nearby business may be served by a different line than the one that serves you and in a PSPS, your power could stay on while a business across the street may have power turned off.
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Download a transcript (PDF, 92 KB)
PSPS timeline: what to expect
When we need to temporarily turn off power for safety, you can expect the following:
Severe Weather Forecasted
When: Up to a week before
What: Our weather specialists forecast potential severe weather.
PSPS Watch Notifications (outages likely)
When: Two days before, one day before (if possible)
What: We notify you if you are in an area that may be affected by a PSPS. We let you know the potential estimated power shutoff start time and restoration time.
PSPS Warning Notification (outages required)
When: Several hours before
What: We notify you if you are in an area that will be affected by a PSPS. We let you know the potential estimated power shutoff start time and restoration time.
Power Shutoff
When: During severe weather
What: Power is shut off to affected areas to prevent wildfire.
Updates and Inspections
When: Weather has improved and inspections and restoration activities have begun
What: Our crews inspect electric lines to restore power to affected communities as quickly and safely as possible. We notify you daily about the estimated time of power restoration through notifications, social media, local news, radio and our website.
PSPS Power Restored
When: Within 24 hours after severe weather has passed
What: Power is restored to affected communities.
Emergency preparedness and planning
PSPS planning maps
PSPS planning maps are intended to provide a general estimate regarding potential locations that may be affected by a PSPS.
Critical facility information
Learn more about additional assistance and advance planning for services essential to public safety.
Energy assessments and efficiency
Help identify energy waste and get recommendations to start saving energy and money.
Onsite power considerations
Learn about financial incentives for customers installing battery storage or generation equipment.
Weather resources
Learn the role weather plays in a Public Safety Power Shutoff and see PG&E's 7-day PSPS potential.
School resources
Find materials to support emergency preparedness education, suitable for students in kindergarten through sixth-grade.
More resources
- Prepare your facility for potential power outages. Download the emergency preparedness checklist for large businesses (PDF, 24KB).
- Ensure your small business is prepared for power outages. Download the emergency preparedness checklist for small businesses (PDF, 68KB).
- To find a more detailed account of what to expect in a PSPS, download PSPS Policies and Procedures (PDF, 4.6 MB).
- To learn more about the PSPS program, weather factors, alerts and ways to prepare, download the PSPS Fact Sheet (PDF, 432 KB).