PG&E to begin planned power outages in 17 California counties on Election Day
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will begin planned power outages on Election Day, affecting about 15,000 customers in 17 California counties due to high wildfire risk. The outages are part of the utility's Public Safety Power Shutoff program.
The shutoffs are scheduled to start on Tuesday, with some areas experiencing outages until 9:30 p.m. However, this timing is after polls close, so voting will not be disrupted. Backup generators are being arranged for critical locations.
High winds and dry conditions are contributing to the fire risk, with sustained winds expected between 10-15 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. No tabulation centers will be affected by the outages.