Californian utility PG&E shuts power for customers over wildfire risks

(Reuters) - U.S. utility firm PG&E Corp said on Monday it has cut power for over 9,000 customers in northern California as a precaution against heightened wildfire risks from high winds.

The company said it was monitoring weather conditions across its service territories in California as parts of the state are expected to experience gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity levels.

PG&E initiated a "public safety power shutoff (PSPS)", cutting off power for homes and businesses across Sacramento Valley and surrounding foothills, according to a post on its website.

The company earlier said it expects the PSPS would impact over 12,000 customers in eleven counties and two tribal areas.

The Oakland, California-based company has been linked to major wildfires in the state, including the 2020 Zogg Fire and the 2021 Dixie Fire, which was the state's second-largest wildfire.

(Reporting by Vallari Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)