Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) initiated power shutoffs in response to high winds and dry conditions to mitigate the risk of wildfires. The first area affected was Clayton, California, where power was cut off early Thursday morning, impacting around 73 customers. PG&E assured that power would be restored when it is safe to do so.
As the day progressed, additional areas, including parts of Livermore, Discovery Bay, and Lake Del Valle, experienced similar power cuts. The utility had previously warned that shutdowns could extend to parts of Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties throughout the fire-prone period.
This precautionary measure is part of PG&E’s ongoing efforts to prevent wildfires, especially after facing severe penalties and legal consequences related to past incidents caused by its infrastructure. Since 2017, PG&E’s equipment has been associated with over 30 wildfires, leading to the loss of more than 100 lives and countless homes. The company has paid millions in fines and was convicted of involuntary manslaughter due to these events.
Power shutdowns remain primarily in remote and high-risk regions to ensure community safety. PG&E has made available an outage map for residents to check on their specific neighborhoods.
This proactive approach reflects a commitment to safety, demonstrating that utility companies can take steps to prevent further tragedies while preparing communities for potential disruptions during extreme weather conditions. By making these cautious decisions, PG&E aims to build trust and protect lives, even as challenges persist in addressing infrastructure issues.