Monterey County removed from potential Public Safety Power Shutoff Monday after weather changes

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) UPDATE 12.05.20 8 p.m. PG&E officials say changing weather conditions has led to the removal of Monterey County, and Sierra County, from being impacted by a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff on Monday.

Three more counties, however, have been added: Butte, Kern and Plumas Counties. The company says there are less than 100 customers expected to be impacted in these counties combined.

"PG&E has notified customers in targeted portions of 16 counties and two tribal communities about a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting early Monday morning (Dec. 7). Dry conditions combined with expected high wind gusts pose an increased risk for damage to the electric system that has the potential to ignite fires in areas with dry vegetation," said the company in a statement.

The company says "high fire-risk conditions are expected to arrive late Sunday evening with high winds forecast to continue early Monday morning, peaking in strength during the day Monday, and possibly lingering in some regions through early Tuesday. Once the strong winds subside, PG&E crews will patrol the de-energized lines to ensure they were not damaged during the severe weather. PG&E will safely restore power as quickly as possible, with the goal of restoring most customers within 12 daylight hours, pending weather conditions."

PG&E says only 92,000 customers are expected to be impacted, down from 130,000 in the original scope.

"The highest probability areas for this PSPS are the Central Sierra and the North Bay. This is not expected to be a widespread event in the Bay Area at this time," said PG&E.

PREVIOUS ARTICLE: Pacific Gas and Electric is notifying customers of a potential Public Power Safety Shutoff (PSPS) due to forecast high winds and dry conditions early Monday.

Approximately 130,000 customers could be affected in 15 counties and five tribal communities, including Monterey county.

PG&E says high fire-risk conditions are expected to arrive late Sunday evening with high winds to continue into early Monday morning, and possibly lingering in some regions through early Tuesday. The highest probability areas include portions of the Central Coast.

It's estimated that a total of 333 customers and 7 Medical Baseline customers could be affected in Monterey County.

PG&E says they will continue to monitor weather conditions and notify customers any updates as the potential event moves closer.