9,000 in Monterey County could lose power in PG&E shutoff

Pacific Gas and Electric has greatly expanded the number of customers, cities, and communities impacted by this weekend’s “Public Safety Power Shutoff” in Monterey County. Monterey County and PG&E are opening up resource centers in Salinas and Aromas.

9,000 customers are expected to be impacted, beginning October 26th at 10:00 p.m., according to the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services. In a release Friday night, Monterey County says the majority of people affected are in: Aromas, Royal Oaks, Gabilan Acres/San Juan Grade Road/Old Stage Rd to the San Benito County Border, Gabilan Foothills off of Old Stage Rd and Zabala Rd., Chualar, Gonzales, Soledad and Greenfield.

According to the county, the outages will last until Monday, October 28. On the 28th, PG&E is expected to re-energize lines, however, there could be delays if there is any powerline damage. There was powerline damage during the last planned shutoff in Santa Cruz County.

RESOURCE CENTER LOCATIONS:

– Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave, Aromas, CA 95004 (Open 10/27 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.)

– Costco, 1339 N Davis Rd, Salinas, CA 93907 (Open 10/27 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.)

These centers provide restrooms, bottled water, electronic device charging and air-conditioned seating. Mobile resource stations (vans), when available, will provide bottled water, phone-charging and latest information for customers, according to Monterey County OES.

PG&E Potential PSPS AREA MAP: Click here

As of Friday night, PG&E says they expect the planned outages to impact 850,000 customers in parts of 36 counties.

The utility said it is expecting dry, hot and windy weather starting Saturday evening and lasting until midday Monday. PG&E said customers should expect to lose power several hours before the wind starts. Its meteorologists said this could be the most powerful wind event in the state in decades, so it could mean a higher risk of damage and sparks, which could lead to wildfires.

KION 2019