PG&E warns of potential power shutoffs in Central California due to fire concerns

Thousands of PG&E customers could be without power in less than a day as parts of Central California brace for strong winds.

The forecast is putting PG&E on alert. The company is now warning customers it might turn off power proactively.

"The risk there is potentially knocking down power lines or power lines into trees causing a potential fire," company spokesperson Jeff Smith said. "In order to really reduce the risk of wildfire, that's why we do these proactive Public Safety Power Shutoffs."

Smith says the risk begins in Northern California on Thursday.

By Friday, shutoffs are "likely" for more than 1,100 customers in Fresno County, 2,900 in Madera County, and 640 in Mariposa County. The shutoffs could last through midday Saturday.

"On our homepage, there is a link where you can click about the PSPS and enter in your address, and that's how you'll know whether or not you're in scope," Smith said.

Community Resources Centers, like the Auberry Library, are available with restrooms, bottled water, and charging ports for devices and medical equipment.

For residents who want to stay home, Kevin Seubert at Fresno Ag says generators are an option, but they take time to set up.

"It might take you a day or two, possibly, to figure out all the mechanics," Seubert said. "How to wire it? Plug it in? Do you have the right circuits?"

PG&E will make a final decision about turning off power closer to the forecasted wind conditions begin.

The company has faced pushback - and even fines -- over previous Public Safety Power Shutoffs. State regulators said PG&E violated guidelines and botched shutoffs in 2019, leaving millions in the dark.

"It really is a tremendous inconvenience for some of our customers that are impacted," Smith said. "But, ultimately, the inconvenience of losing power is not as potentially catastrophic as a wildfire."

Smith says it can take time for power to come back on even after the wind settles down because crews manually inspect all the power lines and surrounding areas for damage.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.