PG&E Prepares for Potential Power Shutoffs in Northern California This Weekend
PG&E plans to shut off power for thousands of customers in Northern California this weekend due to elevated fire weather conditions, including high winds and low moisture.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, September 12, 2026 — PG&E is preparing to implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) for thousands of customers across Northern California this weekend. The planned outages are a preventative measure in response to elevated fire weather conditions forecast for the region.
The utility cited forecasts indicating high winds and low moisture levels as the primary drivers for the potential shutoffs. These conditions are known to increase the risk of wildfires. PG&E’s PSPS program aims to de-energize power lines when deenergized lines are the safest option to prevent fire ignitions caused by equipment during severe weather events.
The exact number of customers who may be affected and the specific areas within Northern California where the shutoffs could occur were not detailed in the available information. The duration of the planned outages also remains unspecified. PG&E typically provides advance notification to customers in potential outage zones, although the timing and scope can be adjusted based on evolving weather patterns.
The utility has stated that it is closely monitoring weather forecasts and will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the power shutoffs as the weekend approaches. These measures are part of PG&E’s broader efforts to mitigate wildfire risk in its service territory, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather.
Story summarized from the original created by Katie Chavez on fox40.com, see more information here.
