Dear District 9 residents,

Because of forecasts for dangerous winds and dry weather this weekend, PG&E has notified my office that they will be implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that will impact large parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The PSPS is estimated to start around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, and may continue through Monday, Oct. 28, or longer, depending on weather conditions and the time it takes for power to be restored. As weather conditions are dynamic and evolving, PG&E may update the information throughout the next several days.

The best way to find out whether your residence or business location will be impacted by the power shutoff is to go to: https://psps.ss.pge.com/ and enter your address. During the last shutoff, this PG&E website service was not working, but my office has been testing the site, and it is operable now.

During the last power shutoff, some schools and colleges were closed. To find out whether a school or college will be closed, check their website. Additionally, residents have expressed concern about transportation systems such as BART and the Caldecott Tunnel. My office has contacted transportation agencies throughout the East Bay, and so far no transportation services have reported expected impacts from the PSPS.

Both Alameda and Contra Costa counties have alert systems that provide up-to-date and real-time information on the power outage and any services affected. I recommend that you sign up for these alerts. If you live in Alameda County, sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612570#/login

If you live in Contra Costa County, sign up here: https://cwsalerts.com

There are also several sites that have guidance on how to prepare for power shutoffs and what to do during a shutoff.

PG&E's info on how to prepare for power outages can be viewed here: safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

Alameda County's is here https://www.acgov.org/ready/

Contra Costa County's is here: https://cchealth.org/emergencies/preparedness.php

Here are tips for seniors and people with disabilities: (PDF)

Finally, some of our local cities, PG&E, and our counties may be opening support centers where residents can go to access services, charge cellphones, or get other help. Check the AC Alerts and CWS Alerts to find out where centers may be opened.

I hope this information helps you and your family remain healthy and prepared during these power shutoffs.

Sincerely,
 

Nancy Skinner
Senator, 9th District