Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E), one of the largest utilities in the United States, started its first phase of power shutoffs, affecting 513,000 customers in Northern and Central California on Wednesday.
The shutoff is aimed to curb the threat of a wildfire amid high winds in the area.
By 12 p.m. on Wednesday, another 234,000 PG&E customers will lose their power. The power shutoff is slated to last through most of Thursday or longer.
The next round will affect Alameda, Alpine, Contra Costa, Mariposa, San Joaquin, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
“The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our most important responsibility, which is why PG&E has decided to turn power off to customers during this widespread, severe wind event,” said Michael Lewis, a senior vice president for the firm, said in the release. “We ... appreciate the public’s patience as we do what is necessary to keep our communities safe and reduce the risk of wildfire.”
A third phase is being considered for the southeastern portion of the utility’s service area, impacting about 42,000 customers.
On Tuesday, Cal Fire issued a fire warning for much of California.
PG&E said it is opening Community Resource Centers in several locations starting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 8 a.m. The centers will remain open during daylight hours only.
They include restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging, air-conditioned seating.
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