If high fire-risk weather conditions threaten our electrical system, SDG&E may need to temporarily turn off electricity, to prevent unnecessary wildfire triggers. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. Every situation is unique and SDG&E will monitor local environmental conditions as well as weather conditions including:

High Winds

and Strong Wind Gusts

Low Humidity Levels

Dry atmospheric conditions

Dry Vegetation

that could serve as fuel for a wildfire

Fire Threat

to Electric Infrastructure

Real-Time Observations

by a state-of-the-art weather sensor network

Red Flag Warning

declared by the National Weather Service

When forecasts indicate the potential for extreme weather, SDG&E monitors weather to assess potential impact.

Fire weather forecasts are refined accordingly.

Communication starts with customers affected by possible PSPS including State, County, City, Critical Customers and Medical Baseline Customers.

Continued monitoring, communications and coordination with first responders and communities impacted by weather conditions.

Notify all affected communities, government and all public agencies that power has been shut off.

Once the weather conditions become safe, SDG&E will start the restoration of power by using field crews and aerial resources to patrol overhead power lines and make sure there are no damages from high winds.

English Overview

Spanish Overview (Español)

A Public Safety Power Shutoff can last until fire risk conditions are no longer a threat. SDG&E may open Community Resource Centers in affected areas.

These facilities serve as locations where impacted residents can go to get preparedness materials, ice, water, snacks, car power inverters, small solar-powered batteries and radios, and get up-to-date information on outages.

While PSPS events are more likely to occur in high fire-risk areas, everyone should be prepared with a plan in the event of a fire or other emergency. Find more information and resources in SDG&E’s Wildfire Safety Newsletter or download the PSPS readiness plans below to start building your plan.

You can sign up for PSPS voice, text, and email notifications through SDG&E. They will attempt to notify you up to 48 hours before power is shut off and as more information is available.

SDG&E’s PSPS mobile app helps you get information and updates on potential and active PSPS events. You can track outage statuses, find Community Resource Centers near you, and get real-time estimated restoration times.

View the Alerts by SDG&E flyer here →