"PG&E is warning residents across Northern and Central California of widespread power shutoffs this week that will affect up to 800,000 customers. The preemptive power shutoffs come amid concerns of high fire risk due to gusty winds and dry conditions.
The utility announced Tuesday that customers in parts of 34 of the state's 58 counties will have their electricity cut between Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon. The shutoffs will now affect every county in the Bay Area except for San Francisco.
PG&E also confirmed Tuesday afternoon that shutoffs would begin just after midnight and would be done in stages, depending on the local weather in a community. Shutoffs would begin in the northern part of the state. But "the situation is very fluid," said PG&E spokesperson Mayra Tostado, and their meteorologists are tracking the ongoing weather conditions.
Michael Lewis, senior vice president of PG&E's electric operations, said it could take "several days to fully restore power after the weather passes and safety inspections are completed.""
Jeremy Siegel and Kelly O'Mara report for KQED October 8, 2019.
SEE ALSO:
"List: PG&E To Shut Off Power To Nearly 800,000 Customers Due To High Fire Danger" (KRON)
"Millions Face Power Outages In Northern, Central California" (AP)
"California Power Cutoffs Begin As Wildfire Risks Rise" (Reuters)
