PSPS large business and critical infrastructure
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.
Play the PSPS overview video
Access an audio descriptive version
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 power is shut off
What: Our weather specialists forecast potential severe weather
Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch notification (outages likely)
When: Up to two days before power is shut off
What: We notify you if your address may be affected by a shutoff
Public Safety Power Shutoff Warning notifications (outages required)
When: One to four hours before power is shut off
NEW IN 2022 – PG&E is required by the California Public Utilities Commission to send “Public Safety Power Shutoff Warning” notifications 24 hours a day. You may receive phone calls, SMS texts and email notifications between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
What: We notify you if your address will be affected by a shutoff
Power is shut off
When: Once power has been shut off
NEW IN 2022 – PG&E is required by the California Public Utilities Commission to send “power is off” notifications 24 hours a day. You may receive phone calls, SMS texts and email notifications between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
What: We notify you that power has been turned off to prevent wildfires
Weather “all-clear” notification
When: After severe weather has passed
NEW IN 2022 – PG&E is required by the California Public Utilities Commission to send “all-clear” notifications 24 hours a day. You may receive phone calls, SMS texts and email notifications between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
What: We notify you that we are inspecting powerlines and provide restoration estimates
Power is restored
When: Within 24 hours after severe weather has passed
NEW in 2022 – PG&E is required by the California Public Utilities Commission to send “power is restored” notifications 24 hours a day. You may receive phone calls, SMS texts and email notifications between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
What: We notify you when power has been restored
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.
Using backup power
Backup electric power can be a part of any preparedness plan. Find out what you need to know about using backup power.
Visit backup power
Request a back-up power assessment
Download PSPS Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Business (PDF, 557 KB)
NOTE: PG&E is not responsible for providing backup power before or during a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
More resources
- Prepare your facility for potential power outages. Download the emergency preparedness checklist for large businesses (PDF, 557 KB).
- Ensure your small business is prepared for power outages. Download the emergency preparedness checklist for small businesses (PDF, 424 KB).
- Support and resources are available to help you prepare for potential power shutoffs. Download the business checklist and get tips (PDF, 623 KB).
- 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, 3.7 MB).
- Learn how temporary microgrids can power some areas during a PSPS.
- Find materials to support emergency preparedness education, suitable for students in kindergarten through sixth-grade. Visit emergency preparedness for students.
- Inquiries regarding critical facility designations
Contact:
Ricardo Navarro
Program Manager - Critical Facilities
Businessadvisor@pge.com.