Phase 1 focused on IOU notification and communication guidelines for Public Safety Partners, Local Governments, and customers (including Access and Functional Needs customers). In May 2019, the CPUC issued the decision in the first phase of the PSPS proceeding (Phase 1 Decision). In December 2018, the CPUC opened Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) 18-12-005 to examine its rules allowing electric utilities to de-energize power lines in case of dangerous conditions and seek input from affected communities, governments, first responders, and other stakeholders. In 2018, the CPUC adopted Resolution ESRB-8 to strengthen customer notification requirements before de-energization events and required utilities to submit a report within 10 days after each de-energization event. In 2017, fires raged in Santa Rosa, Los Angeles, and Ventura, making it one of California’s most devastating wildfire seasons. This allows the electric IOUs (San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Liberty Utilities, Bear Valley Electric Service, and PacifiCorp) to shut off power to prevent catastrophic wildfires when strong winds, heat events, and related conditions are present.
Pacific gas and electric outages map code#
In 2012, the CPUC ruled that California Public Utilities Code Sections 451 and 399.2(a) give the electric IOUs authority to shut off the electric power to protect public safety. While PSPS events may reduce the risk of utility-associated wildfires, PSPS events can leave communities and essential facilities without power, which brings its own risks and hardships, especially for vulnerable communities and individuals. This effort is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). With the continuing threat of wildfire, the electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) may proactively cut power to electrical lines as a measure of last resort if the utility reasonably believes that there is an imminent and significant risk that strong winds may topple power lines or cause major vegetation-related issues leading to increased risk of wildfires. However, wildfires attributed to electrical infrastructure consist of roughly half of the most destructive wildfires in California history.
Historically, electric utility infrastructure has been responsible for less than 10% of reported wildfires. These wildfires have resulted in a devastating loss of life and billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage. Over the last decade, California has experienced increased, intense, and record-breaking wildfires in California.
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