U.S.

PG&E Cuts Power To 24,000 Customers To Reduce Wildfire Risk

The California utility said it turned off power for about 24,000 customers "due to dry and windy conditions, with increased fire risk."

PG&E Cuts Power To 24,000 Customers To Reduce Wildfire Risk
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Article by Briana Koeneman
SMS
September 24, 2019

Thousands of PG&E customers were in the dark Monday evening after the company temporarily cut power across several counties in northern California.

The utility said in a press release it turned off power for about 24,000 customers in the Sierra foothills "due to dry and windy conditions, with increased fire risk."

After the dangerous weather has passed, PG&E said its crews will visually inspect all of its power lines to make sure they're damage free and safe to use. 

The company said it hopes to restore power within 24 to 48 hours after weather conditions improve. But it suggested that customers to prepare for multiple-day outages.

Investigators have determined PG&E's power lines were responsible for some of the most destructive wildfires California has seen in recent years — including the 2018 Camp Fire.

Earlier this month, the company agreed to an $11 billion settlement over its role in the fires. It's the second major settlement from the company. In June, PG&E agreed to pay $1 billion to settle claims with California cities, counties and other government entities.