Power Shutoffs Possible Amid Extreme Fire Weather Conditions, SDG&E Warns

SAN DIEGO, CA — Tens of thousands of San Diego Gas & Electric customers in San Diego and Orange counties could lose power this week as the region faces the driest start to the rainy season in 174 years.

SDG&E notified 64,866 customers Monday about potential public safety power shutoffs due to extreme fire weather conditions. The utility company may shut off power as early as Tuesday to mitigate wildfire risk due to low humidity and forecasted Santa Ana winds. (See a list of at-risk communities here.)

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday for parts of both counties, including San Diego's mountains and valleys.

"Public safety power shutoffs are approved by state regulators as an important safety tool of last resort to mitigate fire risk during dangerous weather conditions," the company said in a news release.

SDG&E's Emergency Operations Center was monitoring weather conditions, especially wind speeds in the high-risk wildfire areas of the county. If power shutoffs take place, the company will open community resource centers to support impacted customers.

SDG&E officials warned that customers should never approach damaged infrastructure or downed power lines. Report downed lines by calling 911 or SGD&E's call center at 800-411-7343.