Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced the possibility of power shutoffs in ten Northern California counties due to heightened fire danger. The utility company is considering these preventative measures to minimize the risk of wildfires during extreme weather conditions.

The counties affected by this potential decision include Shasta, Tehama, Butte, and Yuba, among others. PG&E is taking proactive steps by monitoring weather patterns and assessing the condition of power lines and transformers, which are crucial in preventing wildfire outbreaks.

Transformers are especially vulnerable during high winds and dry conditions, which increase the likelihood of sparks that could ignite fires. PG&E has emphasized the importance of public safety, urging residents to prepare for possible outages by keeping emergency kits ready and staying informed through the company's alerts.

Mark Quinlan, PG&E's Vice President of Electric Operations, stated, "The safety of our customers and communities is our top priority. We understand the inconvenience that power shutoffs cause, but they are a necessary measure to ensure public safety."

The company is also enhancing its infrastructure by replacing aging transformers with newer, more resilient models and clearing vegetation around power lines to reduce fire risks. Despite these efforts, PG&E advises residents to remain vigilant and prepared for sudden outages.

Source: pge.com