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Heat waves may strain the grid
During heat waves, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the organization that runs the state’s electric grid, can call for rotating outages statewide to protect the stability of the grid. Most utilities in the state including PG&E could be called on to participate.
These outages should last between 1 to 2 hours for most customers. These are not Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to extreme fire danger and are not related to any issues with PG&E’s equipment or its ability to deliver energy locally.
You can do your part to help prevent blackouts by conserving energy. Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher. Run energy intensive appliances during early morning or after 9 p.m. Close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool.
Get energy savings tips
Frequently asked questions about rotating outages
What is an Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3) and why does it result in customers losing power?
Rotating outages during an Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3) become necessary when the CAISO is unable to meet minimum Contingency Reserve requirements and load interruption is imminent or in progress. These emergencies are issued by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
CAISO will typically order the state's utilities, including PG&E, to reduce electrical load by turning off service immediately, in order to prevent larger outages on the grid. Due to the emergency nature of these outages, we may not be able to give advance warning to customers.
If rotating outages are called, how will customers know if/when it’s their turn? How long do they last?
If we are in a situation that requires the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to call for rotating outages, PG&E will communicate to customers through local media, social media and phone calls to alert them of the situation.
Due to the emergency nature of these outages, we may not be able to give advance warning to customers. Customers are being asked to conserve power and plan for the possibility of losing power for a brief period of time, should an Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3) be issued by the CAISO.
A rotating outage typically lasts one to two hours. We manage and rotate the outage across blocks of customers throughout the service territory to protect the integrity of our electric system, while limiting the inconvenience to any one customer or community.
To look up your outage block and see a list of possible rotating outages, visit the rotating outages status page.
How does PG&E determine which customers lose power in the event of a CAISO issued Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3) and Rotating Outage?
In the event of an Energy Emergency Alert 3 (EEA 3), the CAISO will communicate to California's utilities the amount of energy load (in megawatts), they need to take offline. PG&E then selects the number of blocks in our service territory that, when taken offline, will meet the required reduction in energy.
Who is the California Independent System Operator (CAISO)?
The CAISO maintains reliability on California's energy system, one of the largest and most modern power grids in the world.
As the statewide power grid operator, the CAISO works diligently around the clock to meet the electricity needs of consumers, while increasing the amount of renewable energy to usher in the clean, green grid of the future.
PG&E, along with the San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison are participating members in the CAISO, and coordinate on the topics of energy demand and reliability.
What are Flex Alerts and how do they work?
Flex Alerts are part of a state-wide program run by the CAISO which manages the power grid in California.
The purpose of a Flex Alert is to encourage customers to conserve as much energy as they can during a designated period. The ISO typically calls a Flex Alert when state-wide forecasts are trending higher than average.
When you forecast usage on hot days, do you account for some level of conservation?
Yes, we account for energy savings from some of our larger customers who are incentivized to save when we need it the most. PG&E employs Demand Response programs in order to incentive customers to conserve power during periods of high demand. Some of our larger customers who are running businesses that require a lot of energy are given an incentive to shift their load when energy demand is trending higher than average.
Are these outages part of Public Safety Power Shutoff?
No. These rotation outages called for by the CAISO are not Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. PSPS events are the result of extreme weather, that makes it necessary to temporarily turn off power to reduce the risk of wildfire. Customers receive advance notice in the event of a PSPS.
Learn more about PSPS events