Pacific Gas and Electric Company is Monitoring a Potential High Wind Event in 11 counties in Northern Sierra and Sacramento Valley

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is monitoring a potential high wind event in portions of 11 counties in Northern Sierra and Sacramento Valley areas. This weather is currently forecast to reach our service area on Saturday, September 12 and continue through Sunday, September 13. As of 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, approximately 14,000 customers in portions of 11 counties and 4 tribal areas are in scope for this PSPS event. This would be the fourth Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event of 2026.  

Counties and customer counts

Yolo (9)
El Dorado (729)
Nevada (762)
Placer (1,318)
Glenn (611)
Sierra (583)
Colusa (529)
Lassen (744)
Tehama (1,080)
Shasta (2,658)
Plumas (4,768)

This potential onshore wind event, combined with dry ground conditions and relatively low humidity, forecast will bring could create a period of elevated fire danger. Given these conditions, PG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and began sending customer notifications Wednesday night, September 9, to customers in targeted areas where PG&E may need to proactively turn power off for safety to reduce the risk of wildfire from energized powerlines. 

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. The decision to begin shutoffs is based on real-time weather conditions, and de-energizations may be delayed or cancelled. Changes in scope may also occur based on real-time conditions.    

PG&E follows a plan to notify affected counties and impacted customers before releasing PSPS scoping details. PG&E initiates a PSPS when severe weather conditions pose a significant wildfire threat, even if local weather seems mild. This is because powerlines often travel through different regions, and the line serving an area might pass through a hazardous location. High winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation in these areas can necessitate a PSPS to ensure community safety.   

Each PSPS is unique and events are initiated based on real-time weather conditions including measurements of wind, relative humidity, and modeling to assess the state of possible fuels. PSPS events significantly avoid greater damages and impacts to PG&E customers and hometowns. For example, a Technosylva fire spread simulation showed that if the May 17-18, 2026 PSPS had not been initiated, up to 270,000 acres could have been impacted by wildfires. Additionally, during patrols of the de-energized circuits prior to restoring power in that event, PG&E found three incidents of wind-related damages and one hazard.   

To learn more about PSPS and resources for customers with access and functional needs, please visit: www.pge.com/afn