PSPS 101: Why California Utilities Shut Off Your Power on Purpose

PSPS 101: Why California Utilities Shut Off Your Power on Purpose

PSPS 101: Why California Utilities Shut Off Your Power on PurposeIn House Contributor
Published on: 13/09/2026

Public Safety Power Shutoffs are deliberate outages California utilities call during hot, dry, windy conditions to prevent their equipment from sparking a wildfire, sometimes affecting tens of thousands of customers with as little as a day or two.

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California's Wildfire Season Is Already Active — Is Your Home Ready for the Next Power Shutoff?

California's Wildfire Season Is Already Active — Is Your Home Ready for the Next Power Shutoff?

California's Wildfire Season Is Already Active — Is Your Home Ready for the Next Power Shutoff?In House Contributor
Published on: 01/09/2026

California's wildfire season is already underway, and utilities are once again preparing Public Safety Power Shutoffs that can leave homes without power for hours or days with little notice. Portable generators can bridge a short outage.

PSPS power shutoffCalifornia wildfire seasonhome battery backupsolar backup powerPG&E shutoffSCE wildfire safety
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