PG&E Warns of Possible Power Shutoffs in Northern California Amid Fire Risk

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) warned that, beginning Sunday May 17 and continuing through Tuesday May 19 2026, it may initiate public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) in parts of fifteen Northern California counties – Alameda, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Lake, Merced, Napa, San Benito, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tehama and Yolo. A Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service covers the Central Valley and Sacramento-San Joaquin valleys, with north winds of 20-30 mph (gusts to 50 mph), humidity as low as 7 % in the north and 15 % in the south, and ridge gusts up to 50 mph.

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PG&E’s PSPS program began after its equipment was linked to more than 30 wildfires since 2017, including the 2018 Camp Fire. The utility pleaded guilty to 84 involuntary-manslaughter counts. The last PSPS before this warning, on June 19 2025, cut power to over 16,000 customers in 19 counties. 448 of PG&E’s 788 high-risk circuits have Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings that auto-shut when a line contacts vegetation. The company has undergrounded 1,000 miles of line in 27 counties, lowering ignition risk by 8.4 % and aims for 1,600 miles underground by end-2026 to reduce system-wide risk by 18 %.

Sacramento Bee

PG&E spokesperson Megan McFarland said the utility is committed to informing customers and helping them prepare for any planned outages. She cautioned that weather can shift rapidly and urged customers to update contact information and have a plan. PG&E noted shutoff decisions are local, affecting only portions of counties.

The Press Democrat

• “Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.” — Hanford Weather Service office

Sacramento Bee

• “Outdoor burning is not recommended.” — Hanford Weather Service office

Sacramento Bee

• “PG&E remains dedicated to keeping customers informed and helping them prepare for planned outages.” — Megan McFarland, PG&E spokesperson

Sacramento Bee

• “As always, weather conditions can change quickly. We remind our customers to have a plan and make sure we have your updated contact information.” — Megan McFarland, PG&E spokesperson

The Press Democrat

The shutoffs aim to stop utility-triggered wildfires in a region already facing extreme fire risk, but power loss can disrupt daily life, affect vulnerable residents and strain community resources. Undergrounding and enhanced safety settings are measures to lower ignition risk while preserving grid reliability.

Sacramento Bee

PG&E has not released a total customer count; one source mentions seven Sonoma and sixteen Napa customers, while other reports give no figures. Some outlets list Tuesday-only shutoffs for a subset of counties, creating inconsistencies in the projected scope.

The Press Democrat

PG&E will post detailed outage maps and address lists about two days before any shutdown. Customers should monitor the utility’s PSPS updates page and local weather advisories through May 20 and beyond.

The Press Democrat