Story perspectives

PG&E expands power shutoffs to 9,757 Northern California customers

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 5:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

PG&E is expanding power shutoffs to about 9,757 customers in Northern California counties.
Up to 88,000 customers in 29 counties could lose power, including 5,500 Medical Baseline customers and tribal governments.
The Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Lake County on Oct. 15 because of winds and low humidity.
Cal Fire urged residents to avoid spark-causing activities.
PG&E opened a Lake County center with Wi-Fi, charging, water and snacks.

History

Historical Context

The November 8 2018 Camp Fire, sparked by a failing PG&E transmission line, killed 85 people, destroyed over 18,000 structures and generated about $30 billion in liabilities, prompting the CPUC to intensify oversight of PG&E’s aging infrastructure. Building on that response, PG&E now preemptively shuts off power to 9,757 Lake County customers to curb future wildfire risk.

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Story summary

PG&E is expanding power shutoffs to about 9,757 customers in Northern California counties.
Up to 88,000 customers in 29 counties could lose power, including 5,500 Medical Baseline customers and tribal governments.
The Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Lake County on Oct. 15 because of winds and low humidity.
Cal Fire urged residents to avoid spark-causing activities.
PG&E opened a Lake County center with Wi-Fi, charging, water and snacks.

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