San Diego Gas & Electric has begun cutting power to some communities in San Diego County as extreme heat and strong Santa Ana winds increase the threat of wildfires across Southern California.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs Begin in San Diego County
SDG&E announced Friday morning that it had initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs, commonly known as PSPS events, as a precautionary measure designed to reduce the possibility of electrical equipment sparking a wildfire during dangerous weather conditions.
According to the utility, customers in Descanso were among those affected by the first round of power shutoffs.
Electricity will remain off in impacted areas until weather conditions improve and SDG&E determines that its equipment can be safely re-energized.
The utility’s Emergency Operations Center is monitoring conditions around the clock. Additional shutoffs could occur in communities where high winds, heat and other weather conditions pose a threat to electrical infrastructure.
Santa Ana Winds Increase Wildfire Concerns
Santa Ana winds can bring strong, dry offshore gusts to Southern California, creating conditions that allow wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.
The latest shutoffs come as San Diego County faces an extended period of extreme heat beginning Friday and continuing into next week.
SDG&E said customers in potentially affected communities should monitor its Public Safety Power Shutoff information for updates on outages and changing conditions.
Unplanned Outages Also Possible
The utility warned that strong Santa Ana winds could also damage electrical equipment and cause unplanned outages separate from the precautionary PSPS program.
Customers who lose electricity unexpectedly can use SDG&E’s outage information service to check the status of an outage and estimated restoration times.
Community Resource Centers Available During Shutoffs
SDG&E said Community Resource Centers will be available to support customers affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
The centers provide several services during extended outages, including air conditioning, drinking water and snacks, Wi-Fi access, and charging stations for phones and medical devices.
Locations and operating hours may change depending on weather conditions and the communities affected by shutoffs.
Descanso Library Serving as Resource Center
For residents in Descanso, the Descanso Branch Library at 9545 River Drive has been designated as the community’s resource center.
Residents affected by an outage can use the facility for essential services while electricity remains unavailable.
Heat Wave Expected to Continue
The power shutoffs underscore the heightened wildfire risk facing inland and mountainous portions of San Diego County during periods of intense heat, low humidity and Santa Ana winds.
SDG&E will continue monitoring conditions and could implement additional precautionary shutoffs if weather threatens electrical infrastructure. Power in affected communities will be restored once the utility determines conditions are safe for crews and customers.
Ambrose Sherman writes for Hardwood Paroxysm, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear reporting, current affairs, and stories that matter to readers, providing reliable information in an accessible and engaging way.
