Update: PG&E Ups Status On Potential PSPS Impacting Parts Of The Mother Lode

PG&E Geographic Zones map for PSPS

Update at 3:45 p.m.: PG&E has changed the status and length of a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that could impact some Mother Lode counties.

As first reported last night, the utility targeted Zone 2 and Zone 5 for possible power shutoffs. Zone 5 includes parts of Calaveras, Amador and Alpine counties. All were put on the company’s “elevated” status, meaning they are at risk and being monitored by the utility for a possible PSPS.

In the three o’clock hour, PG&E switched those zones to a “PSPS Watch,” which the company describes as “a reasonable chance of executing PSPS for public safety in a given geographic zone due to a combination of adverse weather and dry fuel conditions. A PSPS watch is typically only issued within 72 hours before the anticipated start of an event.”

The company has also extended the length of the possible shutoff to three days, beginning on Saturday (Sept. 26) and lasting until Monday (Sept.28), as shown in the chart below:

Of note, some counties are included in more than one zone. In fact, parts of Calaveras County are also in Zone 8, which also includes Tuolumne County. However, Tuolumne is only in that one zone. Currently, is not included in the potential PSPS and below Tuolumne County officials relay what information they have received from PG&E.

Original post at 2:20 p.m.: Sonora, CA – PG&E has alerted several counties to a possible Public Safety Shutoff (PSPS) – including some Mother Lode counties.

Currently, Tuolumne County is not on the list for this weekend’s potential power shut off as Office Of Emergency services (OES) Coordinator Liz Peterson tells Clarke Broadcasting, “At this time, Tuolumne County is not a part of the 9/26/20 PSPS event…Of course, that could change as the weather shifts so please stay alert.”

As first to reported here on Thursday, parts of Calaveras and Alpine counties are targeted for a possible PSPS. Also, on the list is Amador County. The utility is tracking a potential wind event to hit Zone 5, which includes those counties, by Saturday and into Sunday. All are on “elevated” status, meaning they are at risk and being monitored for a possible PSPS.

Some counties are included in more than one zone, as are Calaveras, Amador and Alpine. For example, parts of Calaveras County are also in Zone 8, which also includes Tuolumne County. However, Tuolumne is only in that one zone.

A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for the Mother Lode and the Stanislaus National Forests beginning on Saturday and running through Monday morning, click here for further details. An update on a potential PSPS will be provided as soon as new information comes into the newsroom. Below is a PG&E PSPS chart and map for today: