The Abridged version:
- Pacific Gas & Electric meteorologists said winds should ease across much of Northern California Friday, PG&E said.
- Shutoffs affected 85,511 customers Friday morning, up from 61,730 reported Thursday morning.
- PG&E’s Friday forecast did not say when power would return. Crews must inspect lines and make any repairs first.
Pacific Gas & Electric expects wind to ease across much of Northern California on Friday, but its morning forecast did not say when electricity would return to thousands of homes and businesses in the Sierra foothills — where emergency power shutoffs are having the largest effect on customers in eight years.
The utility shows a grand total of 85,511 customers without power as of 10 a.m. Friday — and 98.5% of customers placed under potential shutoff warning on Wednesday are now in the dark. PG&E said the shutoff warnings remain in effect through Saturday night.
The foothills remain the focus for power shutoffs, including 10,793 customers in Calaveras County, 8,757 in El Dorado County, 5,306 in Placer County and 4,557 in Amador County. Another 2,137 customers were affected in Nevada County and 7,248 in Tuolumne County.
When will power return?
PG&E said wind would weaken across much of the northern part of its service area Friday. Gusty winds were expected to continue farther south through Saturday morning.
Vegetation remains extremely dry. PG&E said moisture in dead vegetation was approaching historical lows in some areas.
Before electricity can return, PG&E must issue a weather all-clear. Crews then inspect lines, poles and towers on foot, by vehicle and from the air.
Workers repair any damage they find or disconnect damaged sections so power can return elsewhere. PG&E turns electricity back on after the equipment is cleared for use.
Customers can check their address at pge.com/pspsupdates for their shutoff status and any available restoration estimate.
