PG&E Responding to Atmospheric River Storm Outages

FINAL UPDATE - Friday, Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m.

Essentially All Customers Impacted by Sunday’s Storm Restored

Following this week’s historic weather, we’ve worked tirelessly to get power back on safely and as quickly and as possible for our customers. And, through this blog, we’ve aimed to keep the public informed what’s happening on the ground and in our emergency centers to keep customers safe and informed of our progress.

While we’ve restored power to essentially all customers who can receive it, some customers are still without power and we will not stop working until everyone’s power is back on.

For future updates on this and other storm-related outages please check pge.com/outages.

As our final community update, we’re proud to share the following video of Santa Cruz Food Bank CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez and PG&E Regional Vice President Teresa Alvarado teaming up to help people impacted by the recent storms: 

 

 

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UPDATE - Friday, Feb. 9, 12:30 p.m.

PG&E Focus: Remaining Customers with Storm Outages

System-wide, approximately 12,000 customers are without power.

The greatest impacts are in our North Bay & North Coast and South Bay & Central Coast regions, in communities like Fort Bragg, Fort Ross and Point Moretti. In these and other locations, intense storms felled dozens of poles in mountains regions that are difficult to access. We have completed our assessments, and materials and crews are either currently on their way, or already in place where safety tests have begun. 

In many communities, we’ve set up portable generators to keep critical and essential customers, like schools, emergency centers and public safety agencies, in service while we make permanent repairs.

Approximately 5,100 PG&E personnel and contractors, including electric and tree crews, are on storm duty, assessing damage and making repairs to restore service to our customers.

Customer support: About 1,000 PG&E customers have reached out to 2-1-1 to get support during this storm. We’ve also provided more than 3,600 grab-and-go bags (with flashlights, water, batteries, hand-warmers, blankets and other supplies) across the service area at locations like the Monterey Public Library.

We are partnering with several food banks to support those impacted by the storm. Many of these food banks have multiple food pickup locations, so be sure to call first. 

Community Resource Centers Currently Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.:

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426 
• Sonoma County:  Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 95446
• Nevada County:  (North San Juan) NSJ Community Center, 29190 CA-49, North San Juan, 95960

 

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UPDATE - Thursday, Feb. 8, 8:00 p.m.

Crews Make Progress Restoring Customers Throughout the Service Area Today - Focused on Restoring the Remaining Customers Tomorrow 

 

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UPDATE - Thursday, Feb. 8, 4:45 p.m.

PG&E Crews Working Through Challenging Weather and Conditions

This week’s historical winter storm brought the highest number of outages in a single day and caused significant damage to PG&E’s equipment, including: 866 power poles, 327 transformers, and over 2,500 spans of powerlines.

Since the start of the storm, more than 5,100 personnel and contractors, including 603 crews, have worked around the clock, under challenging conditions assessing and repairing extensive damage to restore power for almost 1.8 million customers. 

Watch this update from North Valley lineman Ryan Boyd as crews in Gridley work to repair broken poles and downed power lines.

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UPDATE - Thursday, Feb. 8, 8:30 a.m.

PG&E Focus: Remaining Customers with Storm Outages

Good morning. It’s 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, here’s an update from PG&E:

Outages: System-wide, approximately 30,000 customers are without power, most from the Sunday-Monday storm and a few from yesterday’s weather. Our North Coast and South Bay & Central Coast regions are where the most impacts are being felt as there are between 3,000-6,000 customers out in Sonoma, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Mendocino and Santa Clara counties.

More than 5,100 PG&E personnel and contractors, including electric and tree crews, are on storm duty, assessing damage and making repairs to restore service to our customers.

Damage from the storm has been extensive with more than 2,500 spans of powerlines, 866 power poles and 327 transformers needing to be repaired or replaced.

Customer support: About 1,000 PG&E customers have reached out to 2-1-1 to get support during this storm. We’ve also provided more than 3,600 grab-and-go bags (with flashlights, water, batteries, hand-warmers, blankets and other supplies) across the service area at locations like the Monterey Public Library.

We are partnering with several food banks to support those impacted by the storm. Many of these food banks have multiple food pickup locations, so be sure to call first. 

Community Resource Centers Currently Open

Customer Resource Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.:

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426 
• Napa County: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st St, Napa, 94558  
• Yuba County: Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, 95962  
• Sonoma County:  Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr, Cloverdale 
• Sonoma County:  Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 95446 
• Nevada County:  (North San Juan) NSJ Community Center, 29190 CA-49, North San Juan, 95960 
• Placer County: Stewart Community Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Rd, Sheridan, 95681
• Placer County: Loomis Veteran's Memorial Hall, 5945 Horseshoe Bar Rd, Loomis, 95650 

 

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UPDATE - Wednesday, Feb. 7, 8:00 p.m. 

PG&E Chief Operating Officer provides storm restoration update

This week’s winter storm saw the highest number of outages our customers have experienced in a single day since the beginning of the modern outage record period, which began in 1995. PG&E crews are working around the clock to assess and repair the extensive damage, often tackling access issues to reach the affected equipment. Watch this update from PG&E Chief Operating Officer Sumeet Singh. 

We anticipate nearly all customers who can be restored will have power by end-of-day Friday.

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UPDATE - Wednesday, Feb. 7, 7:00 p.m. 

PG&E continues restoration in hardest hit communities

This week’s winter storm is now the largest single storm producing multiple customer outages in nearly 30 years, affecting more than 1.4 million customers. We continue to see most of the remaining storm outages concentrated in two areas, on the Central Coast and in our Sonoma Division (Sonoma County and small portions of northern Marin County and southern Mendocino County). We are working around the clock in an effort to restore power to those still out. 

 

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UPDATE - Wednesday, Feb. 7, 5:30 p.m.

 PG&E provides additional support to customers without power 

As of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, approximately 53,737 customers remain without power. Crews continue to work diligently to safely repair equipment and restore power for our customers. In some areas, hazardous conditions and access issues (road closures, etc.) have resulted in extended outages for some customers. 

We are pleased to be able to share that we are partnering with several food banks to support those impacted by the storm. Many of these food banks have multiple food pickup locations, so be sure to call first. 

Additionally, the following Community Resource Centers are open to offer items such as charging stations for electronic devices and medical equipment, Wi-Fi service, snacks, bottled water and blankets. 

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426  
• Napa County: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st St, Napa, 94558   
• Yuba County: Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, 95962   
• Sonoma County:  Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr, Cloverdale  
• Sonoma County:  Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 95446  
• Nevada County: (North San Juan) NSJ Community Center, 29190 CA-49, North San Juan, 95960  
• Placer County: Stewart Community Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Rd, Sheridan, 95681 
• Placer County: Loomis Veteran's Memorial Hall, 5945 Horseshoe Bar Rd, Loomis, 95650 

 

For the most recent outage information, go to pge.com/outages. 

 

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UPDATE - Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1:30 p.m. 

This week’s winter storm saw the highest number of outages our customers have experienced in a single day since the beginning of the modern outage record period, which began in 1995. PG&E crews are working around the clock to assess and repair the extensive damage, often tackling access issues to reach the affected equipment.

We continue to see clusters of outages in two areas, on the Central Coast and in our Sonoma Division (Sonoma County and small portions of northern Marin County and southern Mendocino County). Due to the location of damaged equipment—including some unpopulated mountainous areas—crews have encountered challenges accessing equipment to safely assess damage and make repairs. Additionally, today’s weather conditions have made it difficult to utilize aviation services for damage assessment and repairs. We are working to mobilize additional crews and resources to these areas. 

We recognize that extended power outages can be a hardship, and we appreciate the continued patience and understanding from customers in impacted areas as we work through challenges to safely restore power.   

Customers who continue to be without power can utilize the Community Resource Centers below for charging, light provisions, blankets, and other support. 

Community Resource Centers Currently Open: 

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426 
• Napa County: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st St, Napa, 94558  
• Yuba County: Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, 95962  
• Sonoma County:  Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr, Cloverdale 
• Sonoma County:  Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 95446 
• Nevada County:  (North San Juan) NSJ Community Center, 29190 CA-49, North San Juan, 95960 
• Placer County: Stewart Community Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Rd, Sheridan, 95681
• Placer County: Loomis Veteran's Memorial Hall, 5945 Horseshoe Bar Rd, Loomis, 95650 

For continuously updated outage information, go to pge.com/outages. 

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UPDATE - Wednesday, Feb. 7, 10:00 a.m. 

The recent storm has brought about a significant challenge, with Sunday witnessing the highest number of outages in a single day since the beginning of the modern outage record period, which began in 1995. Our team was prepared and responded with utmost urgency to safely restore power to all affected areas as quickly as possible. As of 10:00 a.m. today, approximately 63,709 customers remain without power. 

This storm has caused significant damage to PG&E’s equipment including: 2,075 conductors, 728 poles, 357 crossarms and 247 transformers. 

To date PG&E has restored more than 1.4 million customers since the storm started, with 74% in less than 12 hours. Our focus is on the well-being of all our customers, including tribal communities in remote areas hit hardest by the outages.  

Community Resource Centers Currently Open: 

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426 
• Napa County: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st St, Napa, 94558  
• Yuba County: Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, 95962  
• Sonoma County:  Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr, Cloverdale 
• Sonoma County:  Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 95446 
• Nevada County:  (North San Juan) NSJ Community Center, 29190 CA-49, North San Juan, 95960 
• Placer County: Stewart Community Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Rd, Sheridan, 95681
• Placer County: Loomis Veteran's Memorial Hall, 5945 Horseshoe Bar Rd, Loomis, 95650 

   

Find more outage related resources available to our customers at https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources.html 

 

UPDATE - Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10:45 p.m.

As of 10:00 p.m. today about 72,258 customers remain without power due to the huge storm that impacted most of the state of California last Sunday, Feb. 4.

To date PG&E has restored more than 1.3 million customers since the storm started, and our focus remains on those without power. We have 5,000 employees and contractors, including more than 533 crews, on storm duty, working day and night to bring the lights back on for everyone.

We are also working with local authorities, community-based organizations, and others to support our customers. Find more outage related resources available to our customers at https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources.html.

 

UPDATE - Tuesday, Feb. 6, 9 p.m.

PG&E Expands Winter Storm Customer Resources 

PG&E crews continue to assess and repair damage to restore power after Sunday’s extreme storm activity.  As of Wednesday, PG&E will have six Community Resource Centers to support customers who remain without power.  

Community Resource Centers:  

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426 - Open
• Napa County: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st St, Napa, 94558 - Open 
• Yuba County: Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, 95962 - Open 
• Sonoma County:  Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr, Cloverdale Open 12:30 2/7
• Sonoma County:  Russian River Senior Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, 95446 Open 12:30 2/7
• Nevada County:  (North San Juan) NSJ Community Center, 29190 CA-49, North San Juan, 95960 Open 12:30 2/7

In addition, PG&E has a number of resources available to help our more vulnerable customers who have access and functional needs. 

• Call the California Network 211 for local support before, during and after an emergency like the recent atmospheric river storm. The network can provide transportation assistance, hotel support and food options during power outages. Simply call 211 or visit 211.org. 
• The Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program can help residents get ADA-accessible car rides and hotel stays, receive food replacements and sign up for the Medical Baseline Program.  Learn more at https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org. 

Check the outage map at pge.com/outages for current estimated restoration times. 

 

UPDATE - Tuesday, Feb. 6, 5 p.m.

Storm Update: PG&E Leader Provides Update in Yolo County

In Zamora in Yolo County, PG&E's Ahmad Ababneh, vice president of Transmission & Substation Operations, was at the site of a power outage caused when a fallen tree snapped a power line during the damaging atmospheric river storm. He explained how crews are working safely to restore power as quickly as possible.

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UPDATE - Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m.

PG&E Emergency Leader Provides Update on Storm Restoration Efforts

As of 1 p.m., about 125,000 PG&E customers remained without power due to the huge storm that impacted a broad swath of the company’s territory on Sunday, Feb. 4.

PG&E Emergency Operations Center Commander Angie Gibson and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer David McCulloch provide an update on how PG&E is prioritizing support for critical and vulnerable customers and for customers experiencing long duration outages. They also detail resources available to customers suffering hardship as a result of a prolonged power outage.

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UPDATE - Tuesday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m. 

Winter Storm Customer Resources

PG&E crews continue to assess and repair damage and restore power after Sunday’s extreme storm activity. For the 136,000 customers who remain without power, PG&E is providing the following support in locations throughout the affected areas:

• Delivering more than 3,000 “grab and go” bags today to seven counties, providing a small battery capable of charging two phones, a water bottle, snacks, blankets, flashlights, and warming kits.
• Three Community Resource Centers that will provide charging, heat, and provisions (details below)
• Proactive calls to customers on the Medical Baseline Program

Community Resource Centers Opening Tuesday, 2/6

• Lake County: Mountain Lion’s Club (Little Red Schoolhouse) 15780 Bottlerock Rd, Cobb, 95426, open 1:30 p.m.
• Napa County: Crosswalk Community Church, 2590 1st St, Napa, 94558, open 1 p.m.
• Yuba County: Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Rd, Oregon House, 95962, open 1 p.m.

In addition, PG&E has a number of resources available to help our more vulnerable customers who have access and functional needs.

• Call the California Network 211 for local support before, during and after an emergency like the recent atmospheric river storm. The network can provide transportation assistance, hotel support and food options during power outages. Simply call 211 or visit 211.org.
• The Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program can help residents get ADA-accessible car rides and hotel stays, receive food replacements and sign up for the Medical Baseline Program. Learn more at https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org.

Check the outage map at pge.com/outages for current estimated restoration times.

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UPDATE – Tuesday, Feb. 6, 5:30 a.m.

PG&E's Restoration Process and Customer Safety

Learn about PG&E’s restoration process and how customers can stay safe following this powerful Atmospheric River storm. These videos are recorded in English, Spanish and Chinese.

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UPDATE – Monday, Feb. 5, 10 p.m.

PG&E Crews Restore Power Across our Communities 

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UPDATE – Monday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m.

PG&E Continues to Restore Power to Customers Hit by Atmospheric River

Approximately 240,000 PG&E customers are without power due to damage sustained from the atmospheric river that struck Northern and Central California on Sunday, Feb. 4. PG&E has more than 3,000 coworkers assessing damage and working on repairs and restoration. 

Since yesterday, PG&E has restored power to about 1 million customers. Customers can view real-time outage information at PG&E’s online outage center and search by a specific address, city or county. 

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UPDATE – Monday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m.

Storm Restoration FAQs

 Q: Why is my power still out?

A: If you’re experiencing an extended outage, it’s likely because of access challenges for our crews due to hazards including downed trees, damaged or impassible roads, mudslides or land integrity issues that could pose significant safety risks. We have crews in your area ready to respond — once they can safely gain access — to begin conducting assessments and equipment repairs. We will continue to provide estimated updates on when you can expect your power to be restored.

Q: When will power be restored?

A: you should have been notified by PG&E with an estimated time of restoration. PG&E plans to complete the majority of damage assessments by end-of-day Tuesday and restore most accessible outages by end-of-day Thursday. For the latest outage and restoration information, please visit www.pge.com/outages.

Q: Can I get a more specific restoration estimate?

A: Due to the extensive damage and impacts from the storm, this estimate represents our best estimate of when power will be restored to your area. We hope to restore customers within that timeframe. As we assess and repair damage, we will update this timing of restoration and you will receive an update automatically — no action is required.

Q: Where do I report a downed power line?

A: If you see a downed power line, assume that it is energized and extremely dangerous, and remain away from the lines. Call 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

Q: Where do I find the latest outage information and updates?

A: www.pge.com/outages

Q: What caused my power to go out?

A: On Sunday, more than 40 million people across California were under high wind alerts. This produced hurricane-force gusts of 65 to 85 mph in many areas, with isolated gusts up to 90 mph across a few locations at higher elevations, and one location in California recorded over 100 mph. Atmospheric pressure gradients, which creates the strong winds, were among the strongest meteorologists have seen in nearly 30 years. In terms of total outages, this was one of the top three most damaging, single-day storms on record, comparable to storms in 1995 and 2008. This resulted in damage to trees and electric infrastructure, and led to other debris contacting electric equipment and lines.

Q: Where can I get help while my power is out?

A: PG&E offers a number of programs and services for customers. They include:

• Bill credit through the Safety Net Program — Residential customers who go without power for 48 hours or longer due to severe events like storms may quality for $25 to $100 automatically within 60 to 120 days after the outage. The amount may depend on the outage length. This is an automatic credit and no action is required.
• Note: Residential customers living in an area where access to PG&E’s electric facilities are blocked due to mudslides, road closures or other issues are not eligible for a Storm Inconvenience Payment.  

• Help for seniors — PG&E partners with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program, as well as the California Network of 2-1-1 who can connect customers to resources in their local communities.
• Help for vulnerable customers — Medical needs might qualify you for Vulnerable Customer Status with PG&E. Call 1-800-743-5000 to apply.

(Photo caption: Redding-based troubleman Thade Fahy on Tuesday removes tree limbs from a powerline that caused 2,000 outages in Carmel.)

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UPDATE – Monday, Feb. 5, 12 p.m.

PG&E's Chief Operating Officer: 'We Will Not Rest Until the Lights Are Back On'

PG&E Chief Operating Officer Sumeet Singh on Monday provided an update on PG&E’s storm response and restoration work today.

“In terms of outage totals, this was one of the top three most damaging, single-day storms on record, only comparable to storms in 1995 and 2008," he said from the company's Emergency Operations Center in Vacaville. "We understand how difficult it is to be without electricity. Please know we are here to support you and we will not rest until the lights are back on.” 

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UPDATE – Monday, Feb. 5, 11:00 a.m.

Thousands of PG&E Crew Members Assessing Damage from Damaging Storm

In response to one of the strongest winter storms in years, PG&E crews have restored power to about 765,000 customers since Sunday. Multiple locations experienced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph, including Marin, Santa Clara and Kern counties.

As of 9 a.m. Monday, about 440,000 of our 5.5 million electric customers were without electric service — with significant outage numbers in five counties:

• Santa Clara County: 70,000 
• San Mateo County: 48,000 
• Sonoma County: 38,000 
• Monterey County: 30,000 
• Placer County: 30,000 

PG&E has more than 3,000 crew members working on damage assessments, repairs and restoration throughout PG&E’s service area. We also have set up a base camp at Laguna Seca Raceway between Monterey and Salinas to facilitate restoration along the Central Coast.

Customers can view real-time outage information at PG&E’s online outage center and search by a specific address, city or county. This site has been updated to include support in 16 languages. 

Programs and services available for customers

• Bill credit — PG&E’s Safety Net Program will pay residential customers who have experienced an electrical outage exceeding 48 hours $25 to $100 automatically within 60 to 120 days after the outage. This is an automatic credit; no action is required.
• Help for seniors — PG&E partners with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Program as well as the California Network of 2-1-1 who can connect customers to resources in their local communities.
• Help for vulnerable customers — Medical needs might qualify you for Vulnerable Customer Status with PG&E. Call 1-800-743-5000 to apply.
• Residential customers living in an area where access to PG&E’s electric facilities are blocked due to mudslides, road closures or other issues are ineligible for a Storm Inconvenience Payment.
• PG&E is offering customers discounts through Sonesta and Hyatt hotels in our service area. For Sonesta hotels, get a 12% discount off the best available rate; use corporate code PGESGP when booking online at www.sonesta.com. For Hyatt hotels, get a 10% discount off the published rate using corporate code 180172 at www.hyatt.com. 

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UPDATE - Monday, Feb. 5, 1:00 a.m.

Crews Have Retored More Than 565,000 Customers Who Lost Power

Since the start of the storm 24 hours ago, PG&E crews have restored more than 565,000 customers who lost power. Approximately 570,000 customers remain out of power.

PG&E has more than 3,000 employees engaged in this event to assess damage, make repairs and handle emergency calls, and hundreds more staffed in emergency operations support centers across our service area.

While most of the significant outage activity of this current storm system has already occurred, forecasts call for additional periods of gusty winds in the northern areas early Monday morning. Members of the public should use caution and remain vigilant for hazards including weakened trees, flooding and downed powerlines.

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UPDATE - Sunday, Feb. 4, 7.00 p.m.

Continuing Hazardous Weather Conditions May Impact Power Restoration Times

Many PG&E customers have experienced a day of severe storms, with strong winds, rain and snow causing outages across the utility’s service area. As of 7 p.m., more than 650,000 customers are without power.

More than 10% of PG&E’s customers have been affected by this storm. Since the beginning of the storm activity early this morning, PG&E has restored nearly 415,000 customers.

Customers are reminded that the latest information on outages in your area is available at www.pge.com/outages. This online tool offers the same information as PG&E’s phone agents.

Customers can also log-in to their account through www.pge.com and sign up to receive proactive outage alerts through email, text or phone.

PG&E Follows a Five Step Process to Safely Restoring Power

PG&E recognizes that being without power for an extended period is frustrating and even dangerous for some customers. However, PG&E will always prioritize safety in our restoration efforts.

This may mean power restoration efforts are delayed where downed powerlines remain energized; where fallen trees or other debris block access to work sites, or where weather conditions put crews’ safety at risk. In large storms like this, it’s not easy to predict when the power will be back on.

The graphic below outlines the steps PG&E takes to ensure power is safely restored.

Six Tips for Operating Portable Generators Safely

With power outages continuing into the night, customers with portable power generators are reminded of the importance of operating them safely. Here are six important steps to follow for safe generator operation.

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UPDATE - Sunday, Feb. 4, 5:30 p.m.

PG&E's Head of Electric Distribution Stresses Safety First for Customers and Crews

Ron Richardson, vice president of Electric Distribution, gives an update on the electric system and the challenges for PG&E crews. One of the issues, he said, was the widespread nature of the atmospheric river storm, stretching from Bakersfield to the Sacramento Valley.

Recent rains have saturated soil and that, combined with prolonged, gusty winds up to 100 mph, led to so many outages. 

"These kind of conditions make it tough for our crews to get out there because a lot of times we have trees across roadways," said Richardson, speaking outside the company's Emergency Operations Center in Vacaville. "Be patient with us because it takes time to assess and restore the damage."

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UPDATE - Sunday, Feb. 4, 3:30 p.m.

PG&E Meteorologist Explains High Winds, Rainfall Causing Outages; Several Wind Gusts Over 90 Miles an Hour

Evan Duffey, one of PG&E's meteorologists, provided an update on the atmospheric river storm that has delivered heavy rains and gusty winds, knocking out power to more than 300,000 customers Sunday.

"We're watching it very closely," he said, adding that the adverse weather will continue overnight into the early hours of Monday for portions of the PG&E service area. "Most of the territory should be looking much more calm and safe by tomorrow."

Multiple locations experienced wind gusts over 90 mph, Duffey said. As of 3:30 p.m., about 311,000 customers were without power, with more than a third of those outages in the South Bay and Central Coast. 

For the latest updates, visit www.pge.com/stormsafety. 

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UPDATE - Sunday, Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m.

PG&E Crews Respond to Winter Storm on Central Coast, Elsewhere

As the first significant winter storm of 2024 hits Northern and Central California, PG&E has responded by opening emergency storm centers and mobilizing hundreds of electric and tree crews.

The Central Coast,  where wind gusts have neared 80 mph, is feeling the brunt of the storm. PG&E has set up a base camp at Laguna Seca Raceway between Monterey and Salinas and has 37 crews on storm duty ready to assess damage and make repairs to restore service to customers.

As of 1:30 p.m., there were nearly 200,000 customers without power, about half of those in the South Bay and Central Coast (103,000); the North Coast (29,000); Bay Area (25,000); North Valley and Sierra (24,000); and Central Valley (17,000). 

High winds will continue through the afternoon so beware of the potential for downed powerlines and fallen trees.

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UPDATE - Sunday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.

Emergency Operations Center Activated to Support Companywide Storm Response

PG&E activated its Emergency Operations Center Sunday as part of a companywide response to the severe winter storm drenching California with prolonged periods of heavy rain, powerful winds and scattered thunderstorms.  

As of mid-morning, there were about 127,000 customers without power in PG&E's service area. Of those, the majority were in the South Bay and Central Coast (81,000), North Coast (20,000) and Bay Area (14,000).

Customers can log in to their account through pge.com and sign up to receive proactive outage alerts through email, text or phone. Renters and others without a PG&E account can also sign up for outage notifications by text, email, or phone. PG&E will let customers know the cause of an outage, when crews are on their way, the estimated restoration time and when power has been restored. 

With heavy winds forecast throughout the day, PG&E reminds the public never to touch downed wires. If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it — and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.   

Falling trees and branches are also a risk during heavy winds. In addition, customers should secure patio furniture and outdoor items that can be projected. 

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Friday, Feb. 2, 3 p.m.

PG&E Preparing for Stronger Storm This Weekend

With many customers still drying out from rains earlier this week, PG&E is preparing for a stronger storm forecasted to arrive Sunday. The storm, which meteorologists are calling an atmospheric river event, is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and potential power outages to customers across Central and Northern California.

The storm is expected to have the heaviest impact on communities along the Central Coast and in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, according to PG&E Meteorologist Evan Duffey.

“The active storm track we experienced this week will continue into this weekend with a significant storm likely arriving on Sunday and continuing into Monday. This storm is looking to be stronger than the Wednesday/Thursday system of this week, with gusty winds expected for large swaths of the territory accompanied by periods of heavy rain,” said Duffey.

PG&E has been preparing for this storm, staging crews in the areas expected to receive the most severe storm impacts. Electric, Gas and tree crews follow guidance from meteorologists to forecast crew and material needs, and timing of the storm.

Website improvements provide more Information, faster

If an outage does occur, PG&E’s online outage center has been updated and improved based on customer feedback. Significant changes include:

• Faster loading times to find important outage information
• An Outage Status Tracker so customers can get status updates on the assessment and repair of their outage
• More local information on the extent of outages around a customer’s home and business
• More information on how to prepare ahead of outages, what causes outages and how PG&E prioritizes restoration work.

Additionally, renters and others without a PG&E account can sign up for outage notifications by text, email, or phone. PG&E will let customers know the cause of an outage, when crews are on their way, the estimated restoration time and when power has been restored.

If receiving an outage text, customers can reply “status” to learn the latest information on the outage without visiting the outage page.

Storm safety tips 

As PG&E follows its plan to prepare for the storm, customers are urged to prepare their families as well.

• Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals  away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on powerlines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
• Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights and not candles, due to the risk of fire. And keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
• Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. Having a portable charging device helps to keep your cell phone running.
• Have fresh drinking water and ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer to prevent food spoilage.
• Secure your outside furniture: Strong winds can blow lawn chairs and other outdoor items into powerlines.
• Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
• Safely clean up: After the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 8-1-1 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center.