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Auggie

(31,171 posts)
Tue Oct 8, 2019, 05:03 PM Oct 2019

It's on: PG&E is going dark early Wednesday morning (and adding more counties)

As a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risk during the forecasted severe wind event, PG&E confirmed that it will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in portions of 34 northern, central and coastal counties, affecting electric service for nearly 800,000 customers.

PG&E expects to begin turning off power in some areas early Wednesday, just after midnight. The power will be turned off to communities in stages, depending on local timing of the severe wind conditions, beginning with counties in the northern part of the state.

SNIP

It is very possible that customers may be affected by a power shutoff even though they are not experiencing extreme weather conditions in their specific location. This is because the electric system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions.

Portions of Kern, Humboldt, Trinity and Marin counties have been added to the potential scope of this PSPS, in addition to the 30 counties identified Monday. Customers can find the full list of impacted counties, cities and communities at www.pge.com/pspsupdates.

Overall, based on the latest weather forecasts and models, PG&E anticipates that this weather event will last through midday Thursday, with peak winds forecasted from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning and reaching 40 to 55 mph, with isolated gusts up to 60 to 70 mph.

https://www.pgecurrents.com/2019/10/08/pge-will-proactively-turn-off-power-for-safety-to-nearly-800000-customers-across-northern-and-central-california/?fbclid=IwAR0RjF_mnBINPOV3hOBjRk-gGfcJIsxLq-kwtRZ15sswrWsgPO3dOvtwD0g

On edit: Should I say "It's off?"

15 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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It's on: PG&E is going dark early Wednesday morning (and adding more counties) (Original Post) Auggie Oct 2019 OP
Maybe we could put our power lines underground California_Republic Oct 2019 #1
I heard that due to earthquakes that has been avoided. BigmanPigman Oct 2019 #3
Power poles are not earthquake proof, are they????? dixiegrrrrl Oct 2019 #6
I think it is sort of like 6 of one, BigmanPigman Oct 2019 #7
Some areas are so rockey that pg&e cant. AllaN01Bear Oct 2019 #4
Underground power lines Blue Streak Science Oct 2019 #8
We'll be okay. Mr.Bill Oct 2019 #2
I lived through the Oakland Hills fire wryter2000 Oct 2019 #5
Flatlands are no guarantee any more Blue Streak Science Oct 2019 #9
Were you in the gas leak explosion? wryter2000 Oct 2019 #12
Tubbs Fire Blue Streak Science Oct 2019 #13
I'm so sorry that happened wryter2000 Oct 2019 #15
How is this not a gigantic invitation for crime? intrepidity Oct 2019 #10
I haven't a clue. Perhaps it will. Auggie Oct 2019 #11
Solar power Blue Streak Science Oct 2019 #14

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
6. Power poles are not earthquake proof, are they?????
Tue Oct 8, 2019, 07:02 PM
Oct 2019

If an earthquake is big enough to damage underground utilities ( think gas) then it is powerful enough to topple a few light poles.

BigmanPigman

(51,593 posts)
7. I think it is sort of like 6 of one,
Tue Oct 8, 2019, 08:29 PM
Oct 2019

half a dozen of another. After Hurricane Sandy devastated the southern part of Manhattan in NYC the underground stuff was effected and the thought of putting lines above ground came up again. I saw on a PBS story about NYC that the lines were above ground but the elements damaged them too easily and they were put underground (the heavy weight of snow on the lines as well as getting blown over by strong winds was a constant problem which led to underground wires).

8. Underground power lines
Tue Oct 8, 2019, 10:15 PM
Oct 2019

If a fire does happen to rip through a neighborhood there's a good chance the underground power lines will have to be replaced afterwards.

wryter2000

(46,045 posts)
5. I lived through the Oakland Hills fire
Tue Oct 8, 2019, 05:36 PM
Oct 2019

So, even parts of Oakland are a risk for wildfires.

Now, I live in the flatlands. No risk here of fire. I hope the power stays on.

9. Flatlands are no guarantee any more
Tue Oct 8, 2019, 10:18 PM
Oct 2019

I live in the flatlands. My neighborhood of about 1,500 homes was incinerated in 2017. Flat lands are better, but there's no guarantee any more.

13. Tubbs Fire
Wed Oct 9, 2019, 10:59 PM
Oct 2019

Two years ago today we woke up and had to run for our lives in Coffey Park, on the Santa Rosa Plain. We saved ourselves, our dog, two cars, one computer and two ipads...virtually everything I could carry out the door. We rebuilt and have been back home for 11 months.

wryter2000

(46,045 posts)
15. I'm so sorry that happened
Thu Oct 10, 2019, 11:34 AM
Oct 2019

Glad you’re back home.

My power is now out even though the humidity here is 23% and the “wind” is 6 miles per hour. Eff PG&E

intrepidity

(7,297 posts)
10. How is this not a gigantic invitation for crime?
Wed Oct 9, 2019, 09:24 AM
Oct 2019

Security systems off and announced in advance? Of a HUGE area, not just a couple neighborhoods.

I get the reason, but will be shocked if there aren't massive numbers of burglaries!

14. Solar power
Wed Oct 9, 2019, 11:02 PM
Oct 2019

Our solar power keeps us in the light and our security on even during outages...even at night. Hopefully this may prompt more people to go solar.

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