PG&E power shut-offs are coming back. Here's what you need to know. - SF Gate

cicingwos.blogspot.com

• 

  A sign calling for PG&E to turn the power back on is seen on the side of the road during a statewide blackout in Calistoga, California, on October, 10, 2019.

  A sign calling for PG&E to turn the power back on is seen on the side of the road during a statewide blackout in Calistoga, California, on October, 10, 2019.

  Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP Via Getty Images

Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP Via Getty Images

Image 1 of / 73

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 73

A sign calling for PG&E to turn the power back on is seen on the side of the road during a statewide blackout in Calistoga, California, on October, 10, 2019.

A sign calling for PG&E to turn the power back on is seen on the side of the road during a statewide blackout in Calistoga, California, on October, 10, 2019.

Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP Via Getty Images

PG&E power shut-offs are coming back. Here's what you need to know.

1  /  73

Back to Gallery

For the millions of Californians sticking close to home during the coronavirus pandemic, unwelcome news from PG&E has landed: The dreaded Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) may be coming back.

The beleaguered company claims that, unlike last year's days-long shutoffs, this year any power outages due to dangerous wildfire conditions will be shorter and smaller.

"PG&E is upgrading its electric system to prevent wildfires and reduce the impact of future PSPS events on our customers," PG&E said in a statement. "The company's efforts this year are expected to reduce the number of customers affected by a potential PSPS event by about one-third compared to a similar weather event last year."

PG&E has been installing nearly 600 "sectionalizing devices capable of redirecting power and limiting the size of outages so fewer communities are without power." They also expect blackouts will last half as long as they did last year, aiming to restore power within 12 daylight hours after the severe weather event ends. To this aim, they've added more helicopters and two planes equipped with infrared cameras for nighttime inspections.

Here's what you need to know before we head into another summer and fall of potential PSPS events.

Update your contact information to receive alerts

The utility company will notify customer at 48 hours, 24 hours and just prior to shutting off power. Alerts will be sent through automated calls, texts and emails.

"The cadence and frequency of notifications will depend on the forecasted gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk, and how quickly those threats change, among other factors," says PG&E.

To update your contact information with PG&E, you can use their website or call 866-743-6589. Even if you think PG&E has your information, it's good to check in to make sure they have your specific address on record and not only your zip code.

If your landlord is the account holder, they will receive the alerts and you will want to make sure they know to be in touch with you.

Use PG&E's planning tool and maps

PG&E launched a standalone website dedicated to providing shutoff updates and information: You can visit it here.

Here, you will also find a tool that allows you to type in your address and learn in advance if your residence will be impacted.

Follow social media and news reports

PG&E is also relaying shut-off information to media outlets and posting updates on social media. Most counties are sharing this information on their official county Twitter and Facebook accounts as well. If you're active on social media, it's helpful to follow these accounts.

Watch the weather

PG&E meteorologists closely monitor weather conditions to make decisions on where and when power outages may occur. They're considering numerous factors to determine the severity of fire risk including "Red Flag Warning" issued by the National Weather Service, low humidity levels (generally below 20 percent), forecasted sustained winds (generally above 25 mph and wind gusts in excess of approximately 45 mph, depending on site-specific conditions such as temperature) and the moisture content of the surrounding landscape.

Prepare your home for extended outages

If you're eyeing something more heavy duty than just flashlights or lanterns, a backup generator seems like a logical place to start. But unfortunately, experts say, backup generators may not be a practical option for many homeowners in residential areas, especially neighborhoods where homes are relatively close together.

"Installing a generator in a residential application is expensive and difficult," Lisa Carter, general manager for Martinez-based generator company CD & Power, told SFGATE last summer. "Here's why.

"Number one, buying a generator usually entails electrical, putting in a natural gas line, usually entails putting in a concrete pad, and then there are the permits that go along with installation in the various cities and what their individual environments might be."

Then there are quality-of-life issues such a unit might create for neighbors: At their worst, standby generators can be loud, smelly eyesores.

"What we've found in properties that are located in residential areas fairly close together is, it's hard to put in a generator because of the noise challenges, environmental challenges, exhaust challenges," Carter said.

What does work? A portable generator might not be able to supply as much power, but it's likely to be less cost-restrictive and less of an installation headache. A 2,000-watt model is light enough to be portable, but still offers enough power to run an appliance like a refrigerator in an emergency. Prices range from $500 to $2,000.

The Honda EU2000i, named the best portable generator of 2019 by Wirecutter, runs about $1,000 at Home Depot. In testing, it supplied more power than its competitors, it was relatively quiet, and it started easily. The Honda also has a "reputation for reliability," Wirecutter wrote, a point echoed by Carter, who has one for her own home and plans to use it to power the refrigerator and freezer during a power outage.

There are drawbacks to portable generators, too. One must have fuel on hand to start it and the fumes pose a hazard. Users of such generators must take care to ensure they're not venting into the house or garage.

With the prospect of a power down on the horizon, combination solar power battery systems are growing in popularity among consumers, but the prices are steep: The cost of such a system averages $16,400 once sustainability incentives are factored in, according to Bloomberg.

If customers do see power turned off, they're on their own, somewhat; they shouldn't expect to see any compensation for the inconvenience on their bill, according to PG&E. Energy companies advise people who depend on medical devices like breathing machines to make sure they have a backup power option in place.

"In regards to the impact on customer bills, PG&E does not reimburse customers for losses, as power will be shut off for safety due to extreme fire danger conditions," PG&E spokeswoman Andrea Menniti said by email. "Because a Public Safety Power Shutoff could last for several days, we encourage customers to plan accordingly."

"Also, it's important to note, fully stocked freezers usually keep food frozen for two days after losing power (if not repeatedly opened)," Menniti continued. "And half-full freezers usually keep food frozen for about one day (if not repeatedly opened). Also, refrigerators usually keep food cold for up to four hours if the door remains unopened."

In some communities, PG&E will, however, be opening "resiliency centers" with backup generators available to power key services.

Regardless of where you live and how your area is preparing for fire season, it's a good idea to make a safety plan, build an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, a radio, batteries, first aid kit, cash, and medications, figure out how to manually open your garage door and charge your cell phone if you lose power, and make sure your contact information on file with your local energy company is up-to-date so you can be reached in an emergency. More preparedness tips from California energy companies are available online here.

Filipa Ioannou, Amy Graff and Katie Dowd are SFGATE staff writers.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"Shut" - Google News
June 22, 2020 at 08:54PM
https://ift.tt/2V8KaGH

PG&E power shut-offs are coming back. Here's what you need to know. - SF Gate
"Shut" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3d35Me0
https://ift.tt/2WkO13c

Bagikan Berita Ini