A combination of criteria are used by PG&E in activating a Public Safety Power Shutoff, which may include a Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service, low humidity levels, forecasted sustained winds, conditions of dry fuel, and on-the-ground real-time information. The most likely electric lines to be considered for shutting off for safety will be those that pass through areas that have been designated by the CPUC as at elevated (Tier 2) or extreme (Tier 3) risk for wildfire. However, although a customer may not live or work in a high fire-threat area, their power may be shut off if their community relies upon a line that runs through an area experiencing extreme fire danger conditions. PG&E decides the location and duration of any PSPS event. During any high wind event, there may be unplanned power outages as well.
PG&E’s weather awareness page provides a 7-day PSPS potential for different zones in their service area. Sonoma is located in Zone 3. PG&E’s Address Look-Up Tool can help to find if your service area may be impacted by a PSPS event. PG&E also has an online map of current outages.