PG&E warns of more shutoffs as California fire risk persists

· Energy · United States

Pacific Gas & Electric warned of additional power shutoffs as fire conditions continued to threaten California's grid. The shutoffs could potentially affect more than two dozen counties, mostly in northern and central California, and could continue through Saturday. Such precautionary de-energization is used to prevent utility equipment from igniting wildfires during high-wind, dry conditions. The item does not quantify how many customers are affected in this round or provide further operational detail. It signals an extended period of elevated risk for the utility's service territory.

Why it matters:Precautionary shutoffs are a recurring tool and cost for utilities in fire-prone regions, affecting customers, businesses and grid reliability. The scale and duration of such events influence wildfire liability, insurance and infrastructure-hardening investment across the sector.

Key points

  • PG&E warned of further shutoffs as fire conditions threaten California's grid.
  • The shutoffs could affect more than two dozen counties, mostly northern and central California.
  • They could continue through Saturday; no customer count was given.

Sources (original reporting)

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