Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Over the last decade, California has experienced increased, intense, and record-breaking wildfires in California. These wildfires have resulted in a devastating loss of life and billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage. Historically, electric utility infrastructure has been responsible for less than 10% of reported wildfires. However, wildfires attributed to electrical infrastructure consist of roughly half of the most destructive wildfires in California history. With the continuing threat of wildfire, the electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) may proactively cut power to electrical lines as a measure of last resort if the utility reasonably believes that there is an imminent and significant risk that strong winds may topple power lines or cause major vegetation-related issues leading to increased risk of wildfires. This effort is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). While PSPS events may reduce the risk of utility-associated wildfires, PSPS events can leave communities and essential facilities without power, which brings its own risks and hardships, especially for vulnerable communities and individuals.

In 2012, the CPUC ruled that California Public Utilities Code Sections 451 and 399.2(a) give the electric IOUs authority to shut off the electric power to protect public safety. This allows the electric IOUs (San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Liberty Utilities, Bear Valley Electric Service, and PacifiCorp) to shut off power to prevent catastrophic wildfires when strong winds, heat events, and related conditions are present.

In 2017, fires raged in Santa Rosa, Los Angeles, and Ventura, making it one of California’s most devastating wildfire seasons. In 2018, the CPUC adopted Resolution ESRB-8 to strengthen customer notification requirements before de-energization events and required utilities to submit a report within 10 days after each de-energization event.

In December 2018, the CPUC opened Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) 18-12-005 to examine its rules allowing electric utilities to de-energize power lines in case of dangerous conditions and seek input from affected communities, governments, first responders, and other stakeholders.

In May 2019, the CPUC issued the decision in the first phase of the PSPS proceeding (Phase 1 Decision). Phase 1 focused on IOU notification and communication guidelines for Public Safety Partners, Local Governments, and customers (including Access and Functional Needs customers).

In June 2020, the CPUC issued the decision in the second phase of the PSPS proceeding (Phase 2 Decision). Phase 2 expanded on notification and communication guidelines, working groups/advisory boards, PSPS exercises, Community Resource Centers (CRC), restoration, transportation/communications/water system resilience, and transparency.

In June 2021, the CPUC issued the Phase 3 decision in the PSPS proceeding. Phase 3 continued expansion of CRCs, critical facilities and infrastructure, PSPS exercises, definitions, education and outreach, Medical Baseline/Access and Functional Needs customers, mitigation, notification, Regional Working Groups, and reporting.

In September 2023, the CPUC established the PSPS Citation Program. The PSPS Citation Program established a tool that CPUC staff may use when appropriate to swiftly cite utilities for lack of compliance with PSPS guidelines. It will help encourage complete and timely compliance with the PSPS guidelines and deter violations. For additional details, please see the press release here.

• Consumer Protections and Resources for Wildfire Victims

public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov 

CPUC, Public Advisor's Office

505 Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94102

The Power of Being Prepared

CAL FIRE - Ready for Wildfire

Cal OES - Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Info on the Self-Generation Incentive Program