How does Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) decide to proactively shut off power?

When considering turning off electric power lines for public safety, PG&E's Wildfire Safety Operations Center monitors a set of factors, including (per PG&E):

  • Red Flag Warning, declared by the National Weather Service
  • Low humidity levels, generally 20% and below
  • Forecasted sustained sinds, generally Above 25 mph, and wind gusts in excess of approximately 45 mph, depending on location and site-specific conditions such as temperature, terrain and local climate
  • Condition of dry fuel on the ground and live vegetation (moisture content)
  • On-the-ground, real-time observations from PG&E's WSOC and field observations from PG&E crews

Additional Resources

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1. Who will be subject to PSPS?
2. How long do PSPS events last?
3. Are PSPS events a new normal in California?
4. How does Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) decide to proactively shut off power?
5. What is a PSPS?