Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is when we proactively turn off power to reduce the risk of wildfire when conditions threaten our ability to safely operate the grid. It is a last-resort safety measure to protect people, property, and public spaces.

Factors considered when making this important decision include wind speed, humidity, temperature, moisture levels in trees and brush, observations from the field by PGE crews, information from local fire departments and emergency management organizations, and predictive analytics.

In the event we need to call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), we work to minimize the number of customers affected and the amount of time they are without power. We keep customers informed about what is happening and what to expect from us by communicating across a wide range of channels in multiple languages, to all customers who may be impacted.

PGE can call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) anywhere in our service area. If extreme conditions arise and make it unsafe to operate electrical equipment, we stand ready to turn off power for public safety.

We make every effort to provide 24-48 hours advance notice to all customers and community members that may be impacted by a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), and another notice within 1-4 hours of shutting off power. PGE will also provide notice when de-energization happens, when restoration begins, and when restoration is complete. We take extra measures to contact Medical Certificate customers.

PGE will provide updates and power restoration timelines at least every 24 hours after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is activated. Customers can get updates on our website, social media, and email. Customers enrolled in outage text alerts will be notified via text when the power is back on.

If PGE calls a PSPS, we’ll proactively notify customers through direct emails and information on our website and social media channels, as well as engagement with local news media outlets like radio, television and newspapers.

After we call a PSPS, our crews will inspect every line in the shutoff area for damage, repair it and make sure it’s safe before re-energizing. That can take time, and as a result, these safety-related outages can last several hours to several days. That's why it's important to prepare.

PGE will provide updates and power restoration timelines at least every 24 hours after a PSPS is activated. Customers can get updates on our website, social media, and email. Additionally, customers enrolled in outage text alerts will be notified via text when power is back on.

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It is difficult to predict how long a Public Safety Power Shutoff will last as it depends on conditions such as hazardous weather duration and impacts.

Power will remain off as long as extreme conditions are present. When conditions normalize, and it is safe to do so, PGE crews will patrol the de-energized lines to check for damage from wind-blown debris or any other issues before the power is turned on. We will work as quickly as safety allows to restore power to all de-energized areas.

We encourage customers who need electricity due to medical requirements to plan with their medical provider for their situation. Customers who meet the appropriate criteria should enroll in our Medical Certificate program.

Before and during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), our customer service advisors will reach out to medical certificate customers to check-in, provide resources and escalate any health or safety concerns to emergency services.

Customers can call 211 or visit 211info.org for information on cooling centers, transportation, and other resources. If there is a medical emergency, call 911. You can also contact us at customer.resources@pgn.com and we will connect you with resources.