PG and E considers power shutoffs across 17 California counties

Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced that it could shut off electricity to about 12,200 customers across 17 counties in Central and Northern California, the New York Post reported. The New York Post, the Sacramento Bee, and ABC10 all report that the potential shutoffs affect 17 counties this weekend. [1][2][3]

According to the New York Post, the potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs could begin on Friday, October 9, and run through Monday, October 12. The utility notified customers in the affected areas that the action is intended to reduce the risk of electrical equipment sparking a wildfire during gusty winds and low humidity. [1]

Wildfires in California are often driven by weather conditions such as drought, low humidity, and strong Santa Ana winds. Previous fires in the state have burned tens of thousands of acres and forced widespread evacuations. [4]

The utility is considering the preemptive power cuts while elevated fire danger and gusty winds are forecasted across parts of the state, the New York Post reported. [1]