By admin 
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is warning that about 30,000 homes and businesses in portions of 22 counties could lose electricity as early as late Wednesday as strong winds and dry conditions increase wildfire danger across Northern and Central California.
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The utility began notifying customers Monday evening of a potential public safety power shutoff, or PSPS, event that could begin late Wednesday and continue through Saturday. About 2,000 customers enrolled in PG&E’s Medical Baseline program, which serves people with qualifying medical needs, also could be affected, the utility said in a news release.
The potential outages include communities in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Sacramento, where PG&E maps show areas along Sierra freeway corridors under threat.
In El Dorado County, possible shutoffs could affect areas along Highway 50 east of Pollock Pines and west of Twin Bridges. In Placer and Nevada counties, the potential outages include communities around Emigrant Gap — west of Kingvale and east of Dutch Flat — along Interstate 80.
Other areas under watch include Washington in Nevada County, Alleghany in Sierra County, Camptonville in Yuba County and communities around Paradise and Magalia in Butte County.
PG&E said the strongest winds were expected in the Sierra Nevada, southern Central Coast and portions of the North and East Bay. The utility said it has activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor the approaching weather system.
About 3,000 customers who experienced wildfire-prevention shutoffs last weekend could lose power again during the latest wind event, the Oakland-based company warned.
Which California counties could face PG&E power shutoffs?
Here’s how many customers could lose power in each county, according to PG&E. The numbers could change as the weather forecast shifts.
- Alpine: 660 customers
- Amador: 48 customers
- Butte: 8,306 customers
- Calaveras: 2,243 customers
- El Dorado: 683 customers
- Kern: 764 customers
- Lake: 57 customers
- Mendocino: 27 customers
- Napa: 419 customers
- Nevada: 211 customers
- Placer: 364 customers
- Plumas: 702 customers
- San Luis Obispo: 7,729 customers
- Santa Barbara: 189 customers
- Shasta: 1,964 customers
- Sierra: 1,142 customers
- Solano: 30 customers
- Sonoma: 1,216 customers
- Tehama: 830 customers
- Tuolumne: 1,650 customers
- Yolo: 8 customers
- Yuba: 357 customers
The potential shutoffs also include four customers in the Mooretown Rancheria tribal community in Butte County and six customers in the Pit River Tribes in Shasta County, according to PG&E.
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The largest potential outages could be in Butte and San Luis Obispo counties, where more than 8,300 and 7,700 customers, respectively, could lose power.
When could PG&E shut off power?
PG&E says its meteorologists continue to monitor the offshore wind event, which is expected to begin Wednesday and last through Saturday. Strong winds, low humidity and critically dry vegetation could increase the risk of electrical equipment sparking wildfires, the utility said.
PG&E began sending advance notifications by text, email and automated phone calls Monday evening. Employees also may visit customers enrolled in the Medical Baseline program who have not confirmed receiving notifications, particularly those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment.
Once dangerous weather passes, crews will need to inspect power lines before electricity can be restored.
PG&E said it plans to open community resource centers in affected counties, offering device charging, Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks and other supplies.
Customers can check whether their addresses are being monitored for potential shutoffs at pge.com/pspsupdates. The site also provides information about community resource centers and outage preparations.
This story was originally published October 13, 2026 at 7:33 AM with the headline “PG&E warns 30,000 customers could lose power in 22 California counties. Here’s where.”
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