Learn about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

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PSPS overview

A Public Safety Power Shutoff, also called a PSPS, occurs in response to severe weather. We turn off power to help prevent wildfire and keep communities safe. Multiple factors are at play when deciding to turn off your power and we take the decision very seriously.

Although you may not live or work in a high fire-threat area or an area experiencing high winds, your power may be shut off if your home or business relies on a line that runs through an area with extreme weather. Power lines aren't always connected according to neighborhood, so your power could stay on, while a neighborhood across the street could be turned off.

Play the PSPS overview video

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 extreme weather.

PSPS Outage 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 shut-off start time and restoration time.

PSPS Outage 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 shut-off 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 power crews inspect power lines to restore power to affected communities as quickly and safely as possible. We notify you daily with estimated time of power restoration through notifications, social media, local news, radio and our website.