2019-11-20 PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Update: 2019-11-19 16:01

At 16:01 today, we got word that Santa Clara County has been removed from the scope of this PSPS event.

Initial Info: 2019-11-19 11:30

PG&E has listed the potential for another Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) affecting Santa Clara County on Wednesday, 11/20, and Thursday, 11/21.

Potential: The PG&E Forecast web page currently lists it as a “PSPS Watch.” Per their web page, a “PSPS Watch” means: The company Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated for a reasonable chance of executing PSPS for public safety in a given geographic zone due to a combination of adverse weather and dry fuel conditions. A PSPS Watch is typically only issued within 72 hours before the anticipated start of an event.

Scope: The current scope is expected to impact approximately 701 customers in Santa Clara County, mostly along the Santa Clara County / Santa Cruz County line. Note that the PG&E web page still lists an earlier prediction of approximately 2,978 customers to be impacted in the following cities: Cupertino, Gilroy, La Honda, Los Gatos, Redwood Estates, Saratoga, and Watsonville.

Timeframe: Due to the very fluid weather forecast, a specific timeframe has not been not given, other than the two days show on the above forecast.

Key Messages to Amateur Radio Operators

Top off your vehicle and generator (if you have one) and obtain cash
- Gas pumps and ATM machines don’t work without power
Charge your batteries (and backup batteries) and test your radios
Monitor your local jurisdiction’s web page(s) and the SCCo ARES/RACES web page for more information
Follow your local jurisdiction’s amateur radio procedures for alerts and activations
Mutual Aid Communicators: If an activation occurs, monitor the Resource Net for more information

As always, the weather can change, causing both the time and location of cutoffs to change. Stay tuned to local news, and use PG&E’s web site.