PG&E Power Shutoffs: Over 23K Marin Customers May Lose Power

MARIN COUNTY, CA — More than 23,000 Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers in Marin County could lose power this week in another round of public safety power shutoffs triggered by fire weather conditions.

PG&E announced it gave 48-hour advance notifications Monday morning to 264,000 customers in 22 counties about the potential shutoffs in response to expected high wind gusts that pose a risk of the utility company's electrical system sparking fires. If PG&E cuts power, it will be the sixth public safety power shutoff event this year.

In Marin, 23,440 customers would be impacted in the following cities and unincorporated communities: Bolinas, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Inverness, Lagunitas, Marshall, Mill Valley, Muir Beach, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Rafael, Stinson Beach and Woodacre.

The shutoff is expected to start around 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to county officials.

Customers who have provided their contact information to PG&E were notified Monday morning by phone, text and email. They will be notified again 24 hours and four hours prior to the shutoff event, according to PG&E Spokeswoman Deanna Contreras.

"It's important to remember that customers not impacted by the PSPS may experience power outages due to PG&E equipment damaged during this wind event; those customers will not be notified in advance," Contreras said.

"It is also 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."

Once the high winds subside, crews will inspect the de-energized lines to ensure they were not damaged during the wind event, and then restore power, according to PG&E. Utility officials reminded residents that it could take 24 to 48 hours from the start of inspections for power to be restored.

PG&E plans to open community resource centers in impacted communities. The centers will have
restrooms, snacks, bottled water, ice, blankets, electronic-device charging and seating for up to 100 in air-conditioned and/or heated facilities. Locations for the centers are being confirmed and will be posted once available at pge.com/pspsupdates.