September 15, 2026
Why We Do PSPS: Patrols Find Damage on Circuit That Could Have Led to Significant Wildfire
BY: Julie Ahner
PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program is a measure of last resort, used only when weather conditions create an elevated risk that energized powerlines could spark a wildfire. While power outages are disruptive for customers and communities, post-event reviews often underscore why these difficult decisions are made.
During restoration patrols following the proactive Sept. 12 PSPS event, PG&E crews identified a downed tree branch on the Big Meadows circuit near Lake Almanor in Plumas County, which resulted in conductor damage. The circuit had been de-energized as part of the PSPS before the damage was found, helping reduce wildfire risk during severe weather conditions.
Damage found during restoration patrols
On Sept. 12, PG&E proactively de-energized portions of the Big Meadows circuit as part of the PSPS event, affecting about 4,965 customers.
On Sept. 13, before power was restored, field crews patrolled the line and identified damage.
Early observations indicate vegetation contacted electrical equipment, requiring repairs before it could be safely re-energized.
The circuit runs through forested terrain where fire could spread quickly under the wrong weather and fuel conditions.
Modeling the potential impact
After PSPS events, PG&E reviews damage found in the field to better understand what could have happened if the line had remained energized.
Using the Big Meadows damage location as an example, PG&E modeled how a potential wildfire could have spread under the conditions present during the event.
The model estimated that a wildfire starting at the damage location could have:
- Impacted approximately 676 acres
- Exposed approximately 20 structures to damage
- Resulted in an estimated 7 structure losses
The modeling reflected conditions in the area at the time, including the effect of recent precipitation.
A reminder of why PSPS matters
PSPS is one layer of PG&E’s wildfire prevention strategy and is used only when severe weather creates unacceptable wildfire risk. After conditions improve, crews patrol de-energized lines to identify any damage or hazards before power is restored.
At Big Meadows, proactive de-energization meant vegetation contacted electrical equipment on a line that was not energized, reducing the risk of an ignition in fast-burning terrain near nearby communities.
Although no one can know whether an ignition would have occurred, post-event modeling helps illustrate the potential impacts avoided through proactive safety measures.
PG&E recognizes the disruption PSPS events create for customers and communities. Findings like Big Meadows reinforce why PSPS remains a tool of last resort to help protect people, communities and the environment during heightened wildfire risk.
PRESS RELEASE
September 13, 2026
UPDATE: All Clears Issued for All Currently Impacted Areas; Restoration Activities Underway
At approximately 8:00a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, PG&E issued weather all-clear notifications for customers in Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama and Yolo counties, as well as four tribal communities affected by this PSPS event. With all-clear notifications in place, crews began patrolling and inspecting electrical infrastructure and, where necessary, making repairs before safely restoring power to customers.
As of 1:40 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, PG&E has restored power to approximately 8,400 customers. Inspections must be completed before power can be restored to ensure electric equipment has not been damaged and can be safely reenergized.
As weather conditions improved, PG&E removed approximately 1,850 customers from the scope of this PSPS event in portions of El Dorado, Plumas, Shasta and Sierra counties.
PG&E continues to closely monitor weather conditions in portions of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Tehama and Yolo counties, where approximately 2,500 customers remain under consideration for a potential power shutoff overnight Sunday into Monday. Some of the customers would be experiencing a power shutoff for the second time this weekend, as their earlier shutoff was due to strong winds and low humidity reaching wildfire risk thresholds sooner than expected.
PG&E is notifying these customers about the potential power shutoffs through its standard customer notification process. We understand outages can be disruptive and appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to help keep them and our communities safe. As conditions improve and it is safe to restore service, power may be restored as early as the afternoon of September 14. These times are estimates and may change based on weather and field conditions.
For more information, please visit our news blog.
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PRESS RELEASE
September 12, 2026
UPDATE: PG&E is Monitoring a Potential High Wind Event in Northern Sierra and Sacramento Valley on Saturday
After monitoring weather conditions and ground conditions overnight and this morning, PG&E began de-energizing targeted areas at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 due to high winds and elevated fire conditions. The first wave of de-energization began in Nevada and Placer counties, impacting approximately 1300 customers.
- Approx. 300 customers in Nevada County
- Approx. 1,000 customers in Placer County
Additional areas could be de-energized throughout the day and through Monday, based on how the weather pattern develops.
PRESS RELEASE
September 11, 2026
Update: PG&E is Monitoring a Potential High Wind Event in 11 counties in Northern Sierra and Sacramento Valley
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is monitoring a potential high wind event in portions of 12 counties in Northern Sierra and Sacramento Valley areas. This weather is currently forecast to reach our service area on Saturday, September 12 and continue through Monday, September 14. As of 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, approximately 14,000 customers in portions of 12 counties and 4 tribal areas are in scope for this PSPS. 550 customers in scope have never experienced a PSPS before. PG&E has sent additional communications to customers who have never experienced a PSPS to ensure their awareness and preparedness ahead of the potential PSPS.
PG&E’s top priority is the safety of our customers and communities. The decision to proactively turn off power for safety is not taken lightly. PSPS is one of many layers of wildfire protection which PG&E deploys as a measure of last resort. This would be the fourth Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) of 2026. Nevada Energy, Liberty Utilities and Southern California Edison have also indicated potential wildfire action for their service area.
Please refer to this news blog for the latest updates about this potential PSPS event, customer counts, locations and opening hours of the Customer Resource Centers.
