Learn about Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events
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 severe 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
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
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.
Learn more about PSPS events
Like the weather, PSPS events can be unpredictable and complex. The following resources can help you understand and prepare for them.
PSPS updates and alerts
Find the status of a current PSPS event, sign up for PSPS alerts and learn how and when you’ll be notified by us in the event of a PSPS.
Prepare for a PSPS
Find out how to prepare for an upcoming PSPS and safety tips if your power is shut off.
Why PSPS events occur
Discover what factors go into the decision to start a PSPS event and find the weather tools that show if a PSPS will occur in your area.
PSPS support
Find resources to support you during a PSPS, including device charging, bagged ice and Wi-Fi, as well as support for customers with access and functional needs.
More resources
- To find a more detailed account of what to expect in a PSPS, download Public Safety Power Shutoff Policies and Procedures (PDF, 4.6 MB).
- To find tips on staying safe during a PSPS, download Prepare for a Power Outage (PDF, 904 KB).
- To find suggested emergency kit supplies, download the Emergency Checklist (PDF, 930 KB).
- To create a personalized emergency plan in the event of an evacuation, visit our emergency plan page.
- To report or view current outages, visit our outages map.
- To learn more about weather factors and why you may be affected by a PSPS, download the Emergency Preparedness Brochure (PDF, 241 KB).
- For customers with disability and aging needs, download the Aging and Disability Emergency Preparedness Brochure (PDF, 241 KB).
- To learn more about the PSPS program, weather factors, alerts and ways to prepare, download the PSPS Fact Sheet (PDF, 432 KB).