PG&E shutoff could leave parts of Berkeley dark for 2 days

More than 2,000 PG&E customers in Berkeley may have their power cut Thursday due to a "potential dry offshore wind event."

PG&E said about 70,000 customers across 29 counties in the state may be impacted.

In Berkeley, that number is expected to be 2,053 customers, including more than 80 Medical Baseline customers who depend on power for certain medical and independent living needs.

In Oakland, 2,570 PG&E customers may be affected, including 127 Medical Baseline customers.

The overall number of affected customers in Alameda County is estimated at 4,705.

According to PG&E's outage map, the Public Safety Power Shutoff in Berkeley would start Thursday between 5:15 a.m. and 6 a.m. with estimated restoration by Saturday at 2 p.m.

That could mean more than two days without power.

The impacted area includes parts of downtown Berkeley and extends up into the Berkeley Hills.

"Given this wind event and current dry conditions, including extremely dried vegetation, PG&E sent one-day advance notifications Tuesday afternoon to customers in targeted areas where PG&E may need to proactively turn power off for safety to reduce the risk of wildfire from energized powerlines," PG&E said in the 3:30 p.m. announcement Tuesday. "Conditions may change."

Offshore Diablo winds are expected to "peak Thursday across the northern and central Sierra, as well as into portions of the North and East Bay," PG&E said.

PG&E began notifying customers by text, email and automated phone calls Monday, with additional notifications Tuesday as the potential shutoff expanded.

Customers can look up their address online to find out if their location is being monitored for the potential safety shutoff at pge.com/pspsupdates.

• Customers can call 211 to get help preparing for a potential power outage, or any other kind of emergency, to minimize hardships that may be caused by wildfire safety outages, like a PSPS.
• Support is available before, during, and after a power outage. PG&E’s 211 partnership also provides proactive, emergency preparedness outreach for those who rely on power for medical needs, have a disability, or have other needs.
• Call 211, text "PSPS" to 211 or visit 211.org for more information.

Update, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2:30 p.m. UC Berkeley announced that it does not expect to see major impacts on campus or in student residential buildings from this week's planned Public Safety Power Shutoff in Berkeley.

"It is possible that a few of our small remote buildings in the Berkeley Hills and further inland might be affected. This planned outage is anticipated as part of PG&E's public safety program," officials said in a message on the UC Berkeley Safety App.

PG&E will set up a Community Resource Center in the Clark Kerr Campus parking lot on Wednesday from 2:30-10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. "until full restoration."

"Community members can charge phones and medical devices, access water and get the latest power restoration updates from PG&E staff," UC Berkeley said.

More information about utility outages is available from the UC Berkeley Office of Emergency Management.

Update, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m. The city of Berkeley has confirmed that about 2,000 PG&E customers in the north Berkeley Hills may have their power shut off from 5 a.m. Thursday through 2 p.m. Saturday.

"PG&E is taking precautions based on its assessment of its electrical infrastructure and fire weather risk. However, the National Weather Service does not forecast Red Flag Warning conditions in Berkeley," the Berkeley Fire Department said. "The City is coordinating with PG&E and regional partners and is monitoring weather conditions closely. The City will activate fire weather procedures if warranted."

The Clark Kerr Campus Community Resource Center will offer "device charging, Wi-Fi, blankets, air conditioning, bottled water, snacks and other supplies," BFD said. More details are forthcoming.