Thousands regain power in Northern California after PG&E public safety shutoffs
By Carlos E. Castañeda
Thousands of Pacific Gas and Electric customers across Northern California had their power restored after the utility cut off power because of the risk of wildfires on Saturday.
The public safety shutoffs began at 9:45 a.m. Saturday morning in areas of Nevada and Placer counties. PG&E said about 300 customers were impacted in Nevada County, while another 1,000 customers were shut off in Placer County. Additional outages were reported later Saturday in Colusa, El Dorado, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Tehama and Yolo counties.
The utility says the decision comes as strong westerly winds are moving through the region, combining with dry conditions that could allow a wildfire to spread quickly.
PG&E said this round of shutoffs could impact about 14,000 customers across 12 counties and four tribal areas in the Northern Sierra and Sacramento Valley through Monday, based on how the weather pattern develops over the weekend.
By Sunday, customers in Nevada and Placer counties had their power restored from safety shutoffs.
First Alert Weather: Current conditions, alerts, maps Bay Area | Sacramento
Forecasters expect strong westerly winds with gusts between 35 and 50 mph Saturday across portions of the Northern Sierra, followed by north winds Sunday in the Sacramento Valley area.
PG&E said the duration and extent of power outages will depend on the weather in each area, as well as any damage and repairs that may be needed.
“Once the hazardous weather has passed, then we will inspect the lines to ensure it’s safe to reenergize and make any repairs we need to,” said PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno.
In Soda Springs just west of Donner Lake in Nevada County, residents without power were taking things in stride on Saturday.
“You know, PG&E or no PG&E, that’s the way it rolls,” said resident Mickey Grey. “When the wind blows, it’s just not worth the risk of a fire. We’ll live with it.”
While losing power is an inconvenience, community members know what’s at stake.
“We’ll make it through and people have generators up here, so we’ll get through it,” resident Raph Suter said.
