PG&E monitoring for potential power shutoffs in Bay Area

(KRON) — The Pacific Gas and Electric Company is monitoring for a potential public safety power shutoff (PSPS) in the coming days as weather officials warn of “near-critical” fire weather conditions Thursday through Sunday.

PG&E said power shutoffs are likely to occur in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties while the regions experience high winds and dry conditions. North Bay counties are not currently listed.

The utility is monitoring low humidity and dry vegetation on the ground and said it is making calls to customers so that they can be prepared.

“We know how difficult it is for customers to have their power shut off proactively,” PG&E Spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian told KRON4, “so we don’t do these lightly but if we have enough of those factors, safety is our number one priority and that’s when we’ll call as PSPS.”

Wind gusts of 20 to 35 miles per hour are forecasted through the weekend for the hills in the East Bay and eastern Santa Clara County, the National Weather Service said Wednesday. Afternoon humidity is expected to be between 15 and 25 percent. The combination is a recipe for increased risk of rapidly spreading grass fires, according to weather officials.

If a PSPS is called, the power company said it will set up community resource centers for people in the affected counties. PG&E also has a Medical Baseline Program that lists residents with health issues and who will be notified in advance of PSPSs.