Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Our number one priority is the safety of our customers. During adverse weather conditions, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be used to help prevent potential wildfires. This is always a last resort and done to help protect the communities we serve. To sign-up to receive notifications regarding outages, click here.

Safety is Our Priority

As California’s climate conditions have changed, the traditional idea of a fire “season” has evolved into a year-long battle against stronger, faster wildfires. SDG&E has spent more than a decade to build out a wildfire safety program that includes: 

  • Fire hardening our infrastructure
  • Building a fire science and meteorology department to better forecast and prepare for wildfires
  • Implementing innovative technology like our weather stations, camera network, drones and fire prediction modeling to watch for potential threats

Even with all our investments to reduce the risk of wildfire, there are times where we may have to shut off the power to our electric circuits to ensure that flying debris doesn't make contact with power lines and cause an ignition.

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What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff? 

Watch our video to learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs, why they are called and how you can stay informed.  

You can also learn more about what California's largest energy companies are doing to address the threat of wildfire and Public Safety Power Shutoffs at prepareforpowerdown.com.

Public Safety Power Shutoff Process

Public Safety Power Shutoff Process

7-10 days ahead

When forecasts show the potential for dangerous conditions, SDG&E monitors the fire risk and potential impacts.

3-6 days ahead

SDG&E refines weather forecast and wildfire potential accordingly

2 days ahead

SDG&E will start notifying customers who could be affected by a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff, including critical facilities and medical baseline customers, as well as State, County and City government agencies. 

1 day ahead

SDG&E continues to monitor weather conditions, communicate with affected communities and coordinate with first responders and public safety agencies.

Day of power shutoff

SDG&E notifies affected communities, as well as government and public safety agencies, that power has been shut off.

Power restored

Once weather conditions are safe, SDG&E will start to restore power. Field crews and aerial resources will inspect overhead power lines to make sure there are no damages from high winds and that they are safe to operate.

When We'll Notify You

Timeline of Notifications (when possible)

~ 48 hours before power is turned off

~24 hours before power is turned off

~ 12 hours before power is turned off

~ 1-4 hours before power is turned off

When the Public Safety Power Shutoff starts

If any Community Resource Centers are opened

When field inspections begin

When electric power is restored

PSPS Restoration Process

Our video explains SDG&E's process to safely and quickly restore power to communities affected by a Public Safety Power Shutoff. 

PSPS Resources

These additional materials provide information about Public Safety Power Shutoffs, including preparation, policies and procedures.

Public Safety Power Shutoff Fact Sheet

View File

Public Safety Power Shutoff Policies and Procedures

View File

Community Resource Centers

Community Resource Centers 

As part of our plan to support customers during Public Safety Power Shutoffs, we have established community resource centers in specific communities. These resource centers will open up so residents affected by power shutoffs will have a place to go for information.  Plus, they’ll have access to water, snacks, ice and mobile phone charging.

View Locations

PSPS Critical Facilities 

>We know how much our customers rely on electric service, especially facilities that provide services that are essential to public safety, such as hospitals, police and fire stations, communications services, and water providers. Recognizing that these customers require additional assistance and advance planning to ensure resiliency, SDG&E provides them with advanced communication before and during outages.

View Critical Facilities & Infrastructure page

Critical Facilities

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Frequently Asked Questions

We take our responsibility to operate the electric grid very seriously. If conditions threaten our ability to safely operate the system, we will turn off power to protect public safety. We take into consideration many items before deciding to shutoff power. These factors include, but are not limited to: the circumstances of the emergency, wind speed measurements, vegetation moisture, temperature, humidity, field observations by SDG&E crews and information from fire agencies.

We've developed a way to reduce the number of customers impacted when conditions may lead to a power shutoff in high-fire threat areas. Additional weather stations and electrical devices improve our ability to divide an electric circuit into smaller sections. We can be more precise when shutting off power so the number of customers impacted by a power shutoff is smaller.

Power will remain shut off as long as the threat to our system and public safety continues —that is, as long as winds are creating a safety issue near and around our electric infrastructure. When the winds are reduced for a longer period of time, our crews will then patrol the lines to check for system damage from wind-blown debris or any other problems before the power is turned on. It is difficult to predict how long a patrol might take, as it depends on the length of each power line, the terrain and whether aerial patrols are needed. Some circuits are in rural, mountainous areas that require a helicopter to patrol. In those cases, wind speeds need to be below 35 mph for the helicopter to fly safely. Additionally, for safety reasons, our crews cannot patrol at night.

It’s important to remember that improved weather conditions are not the only factor that determines whether a line is safe to re-energize. Restoring power to customers can be a long process. First, we need to record reduced wind speeds for a sustained period, then allow 4–8 hours of daylight for SDG&E field crews to patrol the line. When patrolling, crews are looking for safety hazards like downed lines, debris or tree branches caught on the line, broken hardware or issues related to communication wires. If there is any damage to the power lines or poles, repairs must be made first before power can be restored.

In the case of fire or other adverse weather conditions, this process can take days. You may see our trucks in your neighborhood as you continue to experience an outage. The information they gather helps us plan our work.

During a power shutoff, addressing hazardous situations like downed lines is a priority. Then, we work on restoring as many customers as we can, as soon as we can. We also prioritize repairs to restore service for critical needs such as hospitals, water pumping stations and police and fire departments.

As we work to restore power to everyone, you may see lights on in your vicinity, while your location remains in the dark. Different parts of a neighborhood may be on different circuits, and not all circuits are restored at the same time.

SDG&E recommends investing in a landline to ensure a stable communication channel, as well as for SDG&E and first responders to reach you in an emergency. Additional solutions include purchasing a small radio with a crank or solar power to stay informed with the latest news. Many retail outlets offer low cost battery supply packs that should be kept charged and can provide backup charging power to your cell phone and other small electronics. Mobile devices can also be charged in a vehicle with a low-cost adapter. It is always advised to know where your local law enforcement and fire stations are located; they should have the latest information.

If you are in a high-fire threat area, there may be Community Resource Centers available to charge small devices, or you may consider keeping a generator on hand for your home.

 

Yes. SDG&E has the authority to turn off the power in emergency situations when necessary to protect public safety. If you would like to read the resolution from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that establishes requirements for power shutoffs, click here.  To read the California Public Utilities Commission’s decision confirming SDG&E’s statutory authority to do so, click here

It’s important to remember that power lines from a well-maintained and well-designed power grid can still ignite a catastrophic wildfire. Over the past several years, SDG&E has made major improvements to its electric grid when it comes to wildfire preparedness. But, when dangerous fire conditions are present, it's  hard to prevent a tarp or a palm frond from whipping through 80 mph wind gusts directly into power lines, creating an ignition. These illustrate the type of conditions that SDG&E must plan and prepare for to protect the safety of our customers. With no power flowing through power lines during windy conditions, an ignition source is removed, protecting our communities from the potential of another catastrophic wildfire.

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Reports

SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for October 10-11, 2019
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for October 10-11, 2019
16.47 MB
PDF
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for October 20 – November 1, 2019
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for October 20 – November 1, 2019
2.27 MB
PDF
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for November 17-18, 2019
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for November 17-18, 2019
308.77 KB
PDF
SDG&E First Progress Report per D.19-05-042 - September 4, 2019
SDG&E First Progress Report per D.19-05-042 - September 4, 2019
224.59 KB
PDF
SDG&E Second Progress Report per D.19-05-042 - March 4, 2020
SDG&E Second Progress Report per D.19-05-042 - March 4, 2020
4.99 MB
PDF
SDG&E First Progress Report per D.20-05-051 – August 4, 2020
SDG&E First Progress Report per D.20-05-051 – August 4, 2020
1.55 MB
PDF
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for September 8–9, 2020
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for September 8–9, 2020
1.49 MB
PDF
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for September 28–29, 2020
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for September 28–29, 2020
678.55 KB
PDF
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – June 1, 2020
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – June 1, 2020
251.18 KB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2020 AFN Plan – September 1, 2020
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2020 AFN Plan – September 1, 2020
1.12 MB
PDF
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for October 26–27, 2020
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for October 26–27, 2020
3.87 MB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2020 AFN Plan – December 1, 2020
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2020 AFN Plan – December 1, 2020
226.83 KB
PDF
SDG&E Second Progress Report per D.20-05-051 – December 7, 2020
SDG&E Second Progress Report per D.20-05-051 – December 7, 2020
2.74 MB
PDF
Post-PSPS Event Report for December 23–24, 2020 (Amended—Clean)
Post-PSPS Event Report for December 23–24, 2020 (Amended—Clean)
2.79 MB
PDF
Post-PSPS Event Report for December 23–24, 2020 (Amended—Redline)
Post-PSPS Event Report for December 23–24, 2020 (Amended—Redline)
782.57 KB
PDF
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for January 14–16, 2021
SDG&E Post-PSPS Event Report for January 14–16, 2021
396.54 KB
PDF
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS - February 1, 2021
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS - February 1, 2021
463.42 KB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2021 AFN Plan – April 30, 2021
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2021 AFN Plan – April 30, 2021
763.77 KB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2021 AFN Plan – July 30, 2021
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2021 AFN Plan – July 30, 2021
1.24 MB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2021 AFN Plan -- Oct. 29, 2021
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2021 AFN Plan -- Oct. 29, 2021
4.16 MB
PDF
SDG&E PSPS Post-Event Report for November 26 - December 9, 2020.
SDG&E PSPS Post-Event Report for November 26 - December 9, 2020.
2.34 MB
PDF
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – January 31, 2022
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – January 31, 2022
708.11 KB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2022 AFN Plan – Apr. 29, 2022
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2022 AFN Plan – Apr. 29, 2022
2.45 MB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2022 AFN Plan - July 29, 2022
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2022 AFN Plan - July 29, 2022
1.24 MB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2022 AFN Plan - October 31, 2022
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2022 AFN Plan - October 31, 2022
3.33 MB
PDF
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – January 31, 2023
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – January 31, 2023
1.33 MB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2023 AFN Plan – April 28, 2023
Quarterly Update to SDG&E 2023 AFN Plan – April 28, 2023
658.13 KB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E AFN Plan – July 31, 2023
Quarterly Update to SDG&E AFN Plan – July 31, 2023
555.91 KB
PDF
Quarterly Update to SDG&E AFN Plan – October 31, 2023
Quarterly Update to SDG&E AFN Plan – October 31, 2023
2.83 MB
PDF
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – January 31, 2024
SDG&E Plan to Support AFN Populations During PSPS – January 31, 2024
Document
39.5 KB
ZIP
PSPS_Event_11242021_DeEnergized_CircuitOutageAreas_Corrected 5-6-2022.gdb_.zip
PSPS_Event_11242021_DeEnergized_CircuitOutageAreas_Corrected 5-6-2022.gdb_.zip
Document
243.48 KB
VND.OPENXMLFORMATS-OFFICEDOCUMENT.SPREADSHEETML.SHEET
SDGE PSPS Post-Event Data Workbook Nov. 24-26_Corrected 5-6-2022.xlsx
SDGE PSPS Post-Event Data Workbook Nov. 24-26_Corrected 5-6-2022.xlsx
Document
19.46 MB
PDF
R1812005 SDGE PSPS Post-Event Report Nov. 24-26.pdf
R1812005 SDGE PSPS Post-Event Report Nov. 24-26.pdf
Document
174.98 KB
PDF
R1812005 SDGE Corrections to 2021 PSPS Post-season and Post-event Reports for 5 6 22.pdf
R1812005 SDGE Corrections to 2021 PSPS Post-season and Post-event Reports for 5 6 22.pdf
Document
5.62 MB
PDF
R1812005 SDGE PSPS Post-Season Report (POSTSR1_3-1-2022).pdf
R1812005 SDGE PSPS Post-Season Report (POSTSR1_3-1-2022).pdf
Document
174.98 KB
PDF
R1812005 SDGE Corrections to 2021 PSPS Post-season and Post-event Reports for 5 6 22.pdf
R1812005 SDGE Corrections to 2021 PSPS Post-season and Post-event Reports for 5 6 22.pdf
Document
73.76 KB
ZIP
SDGE_POSTSR2A_3_1_2022_Corrected 5-6-2022.gdb_.zip
SDGE_POSTSR2A_3_1_2022_Corrected 5-6-2022.gdb_.zip
Document
22.75 KB
VND.OPENXMLFORMATS-OFFICEDOCUMENT.SPREADSHEETML.SHEET
SDGE_POSTRS2B_3-1-2022_Corrected 5-6-2022.xlsx
SDGE_POSTRS2B_3-1-2022_Corrected 5-6-2022.xlsx

SDGE_POSTSR3_3-1-2022

SDGE_POSTSR4_3-1-2022

 

Document
3.28 MB
ZIP
SDGE June 27 TTX Documents.zip
SDGE June 27 TTX Documents.zip
Document
173.2 KB
PDF
R.18-12-005 SDG&E 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report 8 26 2022.pdf
R.18-12-005 SDG&E 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report 8 26 2022.pdf
Document
11.09 KB
VND.OPENXMLFORMATS-OFFICEDOCUMENT.SPREADSHEETML.SHEET
R1812005 SDG&E 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report Tables_8-26-22.xlsx
R1812005 SDG&E 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report Tables_8-26-22.xlsx
Document
211.14 KB
PDF
R.18-12-005 SDGE 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report 9-30-22.pdf
R.18-12-005 SDGE 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report 9-30-22.pdf
Document
11.07 KB
VND.OPENXMLFORMATS-OFFICEDOCUMENT.SPREADSHEETML.SHEET
R1812005 SDG&E 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report Tables_9-30-22.xlsx
R1812005 SDG&E 2022 Supplemental PSPS Pre-Season Report Tables_9-30-22.xlsx
Document
4.47 MB
ZIP
SDGE August 12-15 FE Documents.zip
SDGE August 12-15 FE Documents.zip

Update Your Contact Information

Living in Southern California means living with the possibility of wildfires happening in your community. Make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information so we can keep you informed.   

Update My Contact Info

  • After you click the button above, login to your My Account profile or, if you’re a new customer, register your account.
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