Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) today issued a press release warning its customers that the third Public Power Safety Shutoff (PSPS) of the year may be called this week, as a result of a forecast of high winds and dry conditions coupled with temperatures reaching the mid 90’s.  PG&E stressed that the most difficult period this week could be Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.  However, PG&E also stated that a second event may materialize on Thursday afternoon and could last through Friday.

PSPS events are designed to reduce the threat of wildfires that could be caused by high winds and dry conditions that could impact transmission assets and lead to sparking fires.  The authority to call these events was afforded to the California utilities through legislation and regulatory process.

According to the PG&E press release, the areas that could be potentially impacted are as follow:

• Northern Sierra Nevada (foothills)
• Mid to higher elevation areas in the Sierra, North of Yosemite
• North Bay Area mountains
• Areas of the Santa Cruz mountains

According to the latest weather forecasts, the weather event could begin on Wednesday (10/14/2020) and potentially last through Friday (10/16/2020).

In the statement, PG&E said that as more weather data becomes available, other areas could be affected.

Govreport is monitoring this developing story.