Full Breakdown
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs Disrupt Bay Area Communities
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Utility Executes Wide-Scale Power Shutdowns
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) began a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Thursday morning across several Bay Area counties and parts of San Luis Obispo County, citing elevated wildfire risk from dry, windy conditions. The shutdown was slated to continue until Saturday evening.
Background & Context
A PSPS de-energizes electric lines when forecasts indicate high fire danger. PG&E highlighted strong offshore winds and a brief heat wave, while the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for interior North Bay mountains but not for Berkeley.
Timeline
- Thursday, early morning – PSPS initiated; PG&E reviewed conditions at 3 a.m.
- Thursday, 5 a.m. – Berkeley power cut for roughly 2,000 customers.
- Friday, midday – NWS reported winds tapering; outages continued.
- Saturday, noon – Planned end of Berkeley shutdown; utility expected all outages to cease by evening.
Data & Statistics
- Berkeley: ~2,000 customers.
- Bay Area (nine counties): ~11,400 customers without power by late Thursday.
- Alameda County: 4,700 customers (highest county total).
- San Luis Obispo County: >4,400 customers, including parts of Cal Poly and Cuesta College.
- Statewide: ~80,000 customers without electricity early Friday.
All figures are from PG&E statements and the Mercury News.
Official Statements & Responses
Berkeley City Councilman Brent Blackaby said the city was coordinating with PG&E and regional partners and would activate fire-weather procedures if needed.
PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian noted that East Bay customers were likely to see power restored earlier than projected, with about 6,300 receiving restoration notifications by Friday afternoon.
The utility opened Community Resource Centers (CRCs) at UC Berkeley (1 Tanglewood Road) and Cragmont Elementary, offering charging stations, Wi-Fi, snacks, blankets, ADA-accessible restrooms, and on-site generators for schools.
On-the-Ground Reports
Students and staff at Cal Poly reported elevator failures and door-access issues, prompting rapid adjustments to meeting plans. At Cuesta College, classes moved fully online. Dairy Creek Golf Course staff used backup generators to keep the main course open, while the Swing Time facility closed. Local driver James Reed reported a darkened traffic signal on Highway 1, advising motorists to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Impact on Education and Services
- Cragmont Elementary received a generator to maintain classroom operations.
- UC Berkeley CRC operated Thursday-Saturday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m., providing device charging, Wi-Fi, and basic supplies.
- Center for Independent Living continued door-to-door outreach for residents on the Medical Baseline list lacking backup power.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The NWS did not forecast a Red Flag Warning for Berkeley, yet one was active in the North Bay interior mountains. PG&E’s restoration timeline for East Bay customers was adjusted upward by several hours as weather assessments evolved. No further quantitative discrepancies were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I put two and two together because the elevator wasn’t working, and then I also couldn't buzz in through the door with my tag,” — Leo Alvelais
- “We had to reorganize and cram into our little tiny office here,” — Sydney Anthoni
What’s Next
PG&E expects the PSPS to remain in effect through Saturday evening and will update its outage map as conditions evolve. Residents should monitor the utility’s PSPS Updates webpage for real-time information and follow guidance from local emergency officials.