Source: SFGate
“PG&E is preparing to intentionally cut power as early as Thursday to thousands of customers in California to reduce hazards from power lines amid heightened wildfire risk, the utility company said. The move could leave up to 28,000 customers without power across the state, including in the North Bay, East Bay, Central Coast and Sierra Nevada. If you assume an average of three residents per household, that means about 84,000 could be put in the dark. The preemptive power shutoffs come as breezy offshore winds are forecast to develop at a time of year when the vegetation on the ground is dry and highly flammable. Winds can knock over and damage power lines, creating sparks that start wildfires. These fires can spread rapidly in windy conditions. De-energizing the power lines lowers the risk of wildfires starting.” (10/16/24)
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/pge-california-power-shutoffs-19841220.php