PSPS Updates: 32k PG&E Customers Without Power Thursday Evening
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A day after shutting off power for thousands of customers in Northern California customers, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. held a briefing on the Public Safety Power Shutoff Thursday evening.
The utility initiated the power shutoff Wednesday evening due to elevated fire danger in several counties. As of 6 p.m. Thursday, the utility said around 32,000 customers were without power.
PG&E said its meteorologists recorded wind speeds up to 65 miles per hour in Sonoma County. As the weather improves, ground crews will begin inspecting power lines and re-energizing communities. Meteorologists anticipate two waves of windy weather with peak winds expected from 6 p.m. Thursday through 10 a.m. Friday.
They expect all customers to have power restored by Friday night. Approximately 3,400 miles of power lines need to be inspected.
Earlier Thursday, PG&E said changing forecasts also delayed de-energization for customers in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Placer and Sierra counties until later Thursday. PG&E estimated approximately 4,000 customers in seven counties will lose power later Thursday afternoon.
Customers can check if their home will be affected on the PG&E website.
On top of the PSPS event for some PG&E customers, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a Flex Alert Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10 pm., urging customers to conserve energy. The grid operator anticipates an increased energy demand due to the hot weather and asked customers to avoid using major appliances during the Flex Alert.