88K NorCal PG&E Customers Could Lose Electricity: See If Berkeley Faces A Power Shutoff

BERKELEY, CA — PG&E could cut power to a large portion of Berkeley this week to mitigate fire risks as the Diablo winds hit the East Bay.

The outage could potentially impact residents and businesses in the Berkeley Hills. UC Berkeley is not expected to be impacted, aside from a few remote buildings further inland, officials said.

The outage could spread as far east as Orinda and as far south as Forestland, according to PG&E.

PG&E estimates that 4,705 customers in Alameda County and 1,605 in Contra Costa County could be affected.

In total, 88,000 customers across Northern California are at risk of Public Safety Power Shutoffs Wednesday through Sunday amid elevated fire risk.

Large areas around Danville, San Ramon, and the Tri-Valley foothills are also expected to lose power from Wednesday evening until Saturday afternoon, according to PG&E.

In the Tri-Valley, the affected areas are scattered throughout the hills surrounding Danville and San Ramon, including portions of the Diablo and Blackhawk areas, the Mount Diablo foothills, and rural areas west of Danville and east of Camino Tassajara.

See here for a full map, and see here to learn if your address will be affected.

The outages come as forecasters predict near-critical fire conditions. Gusts of up to 25-35 mph are expected Wednesday night through Friday morning, with potentially stronger winds along exposed ridges. Gusts could reach up to 45 mph or higher in elevated locations of the North Bay interior mountains. The high winds are combining with dry conditions and warming temperatures of up to 90 degrees in the Tri-Valley Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for portions of Northern California, including the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills. The East Bay hills are facing elevated fire danger.

PG&E said Tuesday that 70,000 customers could be affected, but on Wednesday raised the total to 88,000 customers across 29 counties. It added approximately 25,000 customers to the potential shutoff area and removed 7,300 others as forecasts changed.

PG&E is planning to open more than 40 Community Resource Centers across 23 counties to provide support during the outages. The centers provide chargers, Wi-Fi, water, snacks, blankets, ADA-accessible restrooms, medical device support, up-to-date information about the Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and more. Service animals are also welcome. See here to find the one nearest to you.

The area outside the Costco in Danville has opened as a Community Resource Center, according to PG&E. It is open Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will provide all the amenities described above.

In the East Bay, the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church at 10 Moraga Valley Lane in Moraga and UC Berkeley at 1 Tanglewood Road are also open from 4-10 p.m. as Community Resource Centers.

Affected residents can also call 211 to help prepare for the emergency and receive support resources before, during, and after a power outage. Customers can also text ‘PSPS’ to 211 or visit 211.org.

Customers facing an outage should follow several safety precautions, including:

• Charge electronic devices
• Prepare emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, drinking water, and medications
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by not using generators, grills, or camping stoves indoors or in garages
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed

See ready.gov for more tips.

SEE ALSO:

• 70K Face Power Shutoffs Amid Elevated Fire Risk In NorCal
• Power Shutoffs Possible As Santa Ana Winds Bring Heat And Threat Of SoCal Wildfires
• 12K NorCal Customers Could Lose Power This Weekend Amid Elevated Fire Risk
• CalFresh Recipients Who Lost Power May Qualify For Food Replacement

Local Editor Michael Wittner contributed to this report.