Power restored as California ISO lifts Stage 3 Emergency

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) — PG&E has been directed by the California Independent System Operator (ISO) to begin shutting off power as CAISO has declared a statewide Stage 3 Emergency due to excessive heat driving up electricity use and putting strain on the grid.

The power outages will affect about 200,000 to 250,000 customers at a time in rotating power outages.

Other utilities in California are being directed to take similar actions.

The power will be turned off in rotating blocks until about 11 p.m. Power could be out for about one hour for each block.

42,455 Sonoma County residents are expected to be impacted by blackouts.

As of 9:04 p.m., PG&E says no more outages are planned for Friday night. Crews are working to restore power to those customers who were affected by the shutoffs.

Full restoration is expected by 11 p.m.

Thank you for your patience. Directed by CA's grid operator, PG&E initiated a power outage earlier this evening. Impacted customers are being restored, with full restoration expected by 11 p.m. No more outages of this type are planned for this evening.
— PG&E for the South Bay and Central Coast (@PGE_SBay_CCoast) August 15, 2020

Due to the emergency, PG&E will be unable to notify customers in advance of the power shutoffs, which could occur anywhere within PG&E’s service area.

“The safety of our customers and the communities that we serve is PG&E’s most important responsibility. We urge our customers to take immediate steps to reduce their power usage. We will work to restore power safely and as quickly as we are able,” Michael Lewis, Interim President of PG&E, said.

On Thursday, the ISO issued a Flex Alert for Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., calling on the public to conserve electricity.

Consumers are being asked to set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, turn off unnecessary lights and put off using major appliances during the time.

Below is a list of power outages across the Bay Area: