Public Safety Power Shutoff

Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons including earthquake, winter storm, or Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) from PG&E. Putting together a power outage plan now can help protect your health and safety in the event of a power failure.  Residents in the City of Santa Maria should prepare for planned power outages in the area.   

PG&E recently developed plans to shutoff power during critical fire weather in order to reduce the risk of wildfire. The Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) could lead to multi-day outages in many areas including the City of Santa Maria during periods of extremely hot, dry and/or windy weather. A PSPS outage will last as long as the potentially dangerous weather conditions exist, plus the amount of times it takes for power company workers to inspect and repair their equipment in the affected area(s). Residents need to be prepared to endure a power outage lasting 3-5 days. 

RESOURCES

Power outages may last longer than 48 hours.  Learn more about the PSPS program here.

Learn how to prepare for a public safety power shutoff in Santa Barbara County (bilingual flier)

Read Preparing for PSPS Fact Sheet from Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management for more information. 

Public Health Department webpage (many links) about Public Safety Power Shutoff