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PG&E and Edison Warn of Wildfire Power Shutoffs for 330,000 Customers

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PCG$13.15 −1.35%EIX$55.44 −0.07%

PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) and Edison International (NYSE:EIX) subsidiary Southern California Edison warned that power could be turned off for more than 330,000 California homes and businesses to reduce wildfire risks. The potential shutoffs follow red-flag weather warnings across parts of the state driven by dropping humidity and gusty Santa Ana winds. Shares of PG&E Corporation fell 1.35% to $13.15, while Edison International slipped 0.07% to $55.44.

PG&E stated it may cut electricity to roughly 88,000 customers across 29 northern and central California counties through Saturday, adding 25,000 customers to its previous estimate. Southern California Edison is evaluating potential shutoffs for approximately 245,000 customers, representing about 5% of its total customer base across Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Tulare, and Santa Barbara counties.

The risk of utility-related fire activity remains a key operational and financial concern for investors during peak weather conditions. State lawmakers failed earlier this year to pass legislation that would have capped legal and financial exposure for California utilities when equipment ignites wildfires.

Key points

  • PG&E Corporation and Edison International may cut power to over 330,000 California customers due to wildfire risks.
  • The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings citing low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds.
  • PG&E may shut off power to roughly 88,000 customers in 29 northern and central counties through Saturday.
  • Southern California Edison is considering potential power cuts for about 245,000 customers across five counties.
  • California lawmakers failed earlier this year to pass legislation limiting utility financial liability for wildfires.

Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web. It can contain mistakes: check the facts before acting on them. Write-ups powered by the free AI API at FreeTheAI.org

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Questions and answers

Why are PG&E and Southern California Edison planning power shutoffs?

The utilities are considering precautionary power cutoffs due to high wildfire risks triggered by low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds following red-flag weather warnings in California.

How many customers could be affected by the California power shutoffs?

More than 330,000 homes and businesses could lose power, including about 88,000 PG&E customers across 29 counties and up to 245,000 Southern California Edison customers across five counties.

Did California pass legislation to protect utilities from wildfire liability?

No, California state lawmakers failed to reach a consensus earlier this year on a bill that would have limited financial and legal liability for utilities facing equipment-ignited wildfires.