Planned Power Outages On Election Night in CA?

Dry conditions and strong winds have prompted Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to not only plan a power outage in parts of 17 counties, but also three tribals areas with nearly 22,000 affected in the Bay Area on election night.

The power outage is planned to hit after voting and no tabulations sites are said to be within the scope of the planned power shutoff area, according to PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith. So, voting should not be affected, and even if they are, generators are ready to work!

There are however, five polling locations that could be impacted. They are:   

• The Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center in Lake County
•  Lakeside Elementary School in Los Gatos
• Girl Scout House at 3352 Hillridge Drive, Fairfield
• Orchard School at 805 N. Orchard Avenue, Vacaville
• Moose Lodge at 6585 Canyon Road, Vacaville

The KCRA Weather Team forecasts wind from 20-25 mph starting Tuesday afternoon (Now) and reaching up to 35 mph in the evening. The team forecasts strengthening gusts to 50 mph on Wednesday.

All outages are planned for later in the evening when these locations should be done with voting, but they were listed as a precaution and PG&E said they will have backup generators available out of an abundance of caution.

This event and the planned outage reminds us all of the importance of standby industrial generators. These portable generators can help us exercise our right to vote, during an emergency event or even a planned outage like this.

"This is the first time that I've been in the vicinity of what they're calling a power outage for a day and a half, so I hope I get through it," said Vacaville resident Michael Coleman.

Michael needs peace of mind in the form of a standby or backup power. That would sure be a nice thing for residents and businesses in the affected areas. If you are interested in an industrial generator to protect your business, give us a call at (866) 518-1240. And make sure you vote!

Story Summary

Why is PG&E planning power outages on election night?
PG&E is planning power outages due to dry conditions and strong winds that increase the risk of wildfires.
 
How many counties and customers will be affected?
The planned outages may affect parts of 17 counties, 3 tribal areas, and approximately 22,000 customers.
 
Will the power outages affect voting?
Voting should not be significantly affected. The outages are planned to begin after polls close.
 
Are any polling locations at risk of losing power?
 Yes, five polling locations could potentially be impacted: What precautions is PG&E taking for affected polling locations?
PG&E will have backup generators available for these locations as a precautionary measure.
 
When are the outages expected to begin?
The outages are planned to start no earlier than 7 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 5^th.
 
How long are the outages expected to last?
The duration of the outages has not been specified, but they may last for a day and a half or more.
 
What weather conditions are prompting these outages?
Winds are forecasted, with speeds of 20-25 mph on Tuesday afternoon, increasing to 35 mph in the evening, and gusts up to 50 mph on Wednesday.
 
How can residents prepare for the planned outages?
Residents and business owners alike can prepare by having emergency supplies ready, including flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. Consider investing in a standby generator.

Will vote tabulation centers be affected?
No, according to PG&E, no vote tabulation centers are currently within the scope of the planned power shutoffs.
 
 

Brian La Rue | 11/5/2024 3:41:55 PM | 0 comments