The Latest: Utility shuts off power in California counties
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Latest on Pacific Gas and Electric shutting off power to about 87,000 customers in parts of more than a dozen Northern California counties (all times local):
5:30 p.m.
Pacific Gas and Electric says it will shut off power to about 87,000 customers in parts of more than a dozen Northern California counties.
The utility issued a statement Sunday evening saying the move was prompted by extreme fire weather conditions and strong winds.
Red flag fire warnings hit areas including the East Bay hills in Oakland and Fremont, the hills of Napa and eastern Sonoma counties, the Diablo Range, the North Bay mountains, the Sacramento Valley and the northern Sierra Nevada and Northern Coast Range.
The utility says most customers can expect power to be restored on Monday night.
Pat Hogan, senior vice president of electric operations, says: "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. We know how much our customers rely on electric service, and we have made the decision to turn off power as a last resort given the extreme fire danger conditions these communities are experiencing."
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12 a.m.
Pacific Gas and Electric says it may shut off power in parts of more than a dozen Northern California counties.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the utility says the warning issued Saturday night was prompted by extreme fire weather conditions and strong winds expected Sunday.
Red flag fire warnings are expected in areas including the East Bay hills in Oakland and Fremont, the hills of Napa and eastern Sonoma counties, the Diablo Range, the North Bay mountains, the Sacramento Valley and the northern Sierra Nevada and Northern Coast Range.
PG&E said it could start turning off power Saturday night.
Gusty winds are expected Sunday in the hills of the Bay Area. Wind gusts in the higher elevations of the North Bay could reach as high as 50 mph.
