SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Gas & Electric has began shutting off power for some backcountry residents in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires, the utility company announced Wednesday morning.
Roughly 24,700 customers were notified Tuesday of potential outages, as dangerous fire weather conditions were anticipated to hit the region. The potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs, also referred to as PSPS, come amid forecasted Santa Ana winds by the National Weather Service. This means there is potential for elevated fire danger.
The conditions are anticipated to persist through Friday for inland and coastal Orange County, as well as San Diego County’s valleys and mountains. The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings Tuesday for these areas due to the dry and windy conditions.
Moderate-strength Santa Ana winds were expected to begin Tuesday night and may continue until Thursday evening, further increasing the risk of wildfires, according to weather officials.
PSPS events are approved by state regulators and are a safety measure of last resort to mitigate fire risks during extreme weather. SDG&E officials emphasized that the power outages would only be implemented in the areas most at risk for wildfires.
The company began notifying customers on Monday via phone, text and email about the potential PSPS. These affected customers are being asked to prepare for power outages that could last through Friday, officials explained.
SDG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor the situation around the clock and ensure a swift response to any outages. The utility company has also pre-staged equipment and personnel to assist with restoring power as quickly as possible.
To help impacted customers, SDG&E has activated Community Resource Centers in impacted areas. These centers are equipped with resources to support anyone who needs it, including Wi-Fi, phone access and medical device charging. These centers can also provide charging stations, air conditioning and other support services for those without power.
SDG&E is encouraging customers to review their personal emergency plans and take steps to keep their families, pets and livestock safe. The company also reminded the public never to approach downed power lines and to report any such incidents immediately by calling 911 or SDG&E’s customer service at 800-411-7343.
For real-time updates on outages, customers can visit SDG&E’s website at sdge.com/outage.
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