Thousands Remain In The Dark Amid Public Safety Power Shutoffs In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Tens of thousands of San Diego Gas and Electric customers remain without power Wednesday after gusty Santa Ana winds prompted public safety power shutoffs in parts of the region.

As of early Wednesday morning, 46,538 customers were without power in communities in the county's inland valley and mountain areas in an effort to mitigate fire risk due to critical fire weather conditions, according to SDG&E.

"The second day of extreme wildfire conditions and strongest Santa Ana wind event in years brought wind speeds that approached and, in some cases, (exceeded) hurricane-strength levels, necessitating SDG&E to execute public safety power shutoffs across its service area to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety," the utility company said in a news release Tuesday.

SDG&E made calls and sent emails and text messages Saturday to nearly 117,500 customers who could be affected by the shutoffs.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the inland valleys and mountains due to strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.

"The power will remain out as long as high winds pose a safety threat to our communities," the company said.

Before power can be restored, extreme weather conditions must pass, allowing crews to inspect power lines and equipment to ensure their safe operation, and if needed, repair damage, according to 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.

Community resource centers were available for customers impacted by the shutoffs. The centers are equipped with resources such as Wi-Fi, as well as phone and medical device charging. See an up-to-date list of impacted communities and community resource center locations at sdge.com/ready.