SCE Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) & Cooling Centers

SCE Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) & Cooling Centers

Preparing for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Local power utilities (Southern California Edison/PG&E) recently developed plans to shut down power during critical fire weather in order to reduce the risk of wildfires. The Public Safety Power Shutoff Program (PSPS) could lead to multi-day power outages in many areas 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 time 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.

Actual frequency of PSPS events will depend on various weather and environmental factors, and the decision will be made with the most accurate assessment of real-time information and available situational awareness data available.

What does this mean for Ventura County residents?

Power outages impact the whole community and can make it difficult for people to meet their basic needs, as well as:

  • Disrupt communications, water, air conditioning and transportation
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services
  • Cause food spoilage and water contamination
  • Prevent the use of medical devices such as oxygen concentrators and other devices
  • Prevent the use of elevators, garage doors, electric gates and doors, etc.

What can residents do to be prepared?

For more PSPS information, contact your local power company:

SCE logo

Southern California Edison (SCE)
Visit sce.com/PSPS | Phone: 1-800-655-4555

PG&E logo

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
Visit pge.com/wildfiresafety | Phone: 1-866-743-6589

Additional Preparedness Resources

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