PG&E Power Update

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Updated Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, 6:10 p.m.

PG&E has reduced its list of Bay Area counties subject to potential power outages. San Francisco State University will remain open for classes and operations and will continue to monitor conditions. For FAQs, please see below.

Posted Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, 2:30 p.m.

PG&E is planning potential power outages in multiple Bay Area counties starting Wednesday, Nov. 20. At this time, San Francisco State University campuses will remain open for classes and operations and will continue to monitor conditions.

Background and more information

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has announced a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff event (PSPS) due to weather conditions including gusty winds and dry conditions that create a heightened fire risk in some communities. 

To reiterate, SF State campuses are not expected to be impacted and we anticipate remaining open.

If you are affected by the power shutoff

For faculty and staff who live in an affected area and are directly impacted by a power outage, contact your supervisor or department chair if you are not able to make it to work. If you need to take time off during this impacted period, your time away will not be charged against your personal, vacation or sick leave time. Faculty who must cancel classes should notify their department chairs and students immediately.

For faculty who might have students affected, please provide them with flexible alternatives that allow them to keep up with the course even if they can’t be in attendance.

For students who live in an impacted area, please notify your professors of your situation immediately.

FAQ

What is a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff?

For public safety, PG&E has determined it may need to turn off electricity when gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with heightened fire risk, are forecasted. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

When is the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff?

Forecasted weather conditions, including potential fire risk, may impact electric service to the PG&E service area in coming days. Please consult the PG&E website for details and updates.

Will campus be shut down?

SF State campuses are not currently impacted and we anticipate remaining open.

How will SF State communicate updates?

If conditions significantly shift, watch for follow-up SF State messages as more information becomes available. 

How will I know if PG&E decides to cut off the power?

PG&E updates can be found on the PG&E website. 

How can I find out if the campus is affected or if my house is affected?

You can check on the PSPS status of any specific address using PG&E’s outage map. 

As a supervisor, what should I do to support my team members?

We need to be flexible with employees who live in affected areas and are directly impacted by the power shutoff. We will not be requiring people to take vacation, personal or sick leave if they live in an area directly impacted.

What should I do to prepare for a power shutoff?

  • Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets
  • Stock up on nonperishable food
  • Prepare an emergency supply kit
  • Charge your mobile phone
  • Have flashlights ready. Avoid using candles
  • Have a battery-powered or crank radio
  • Stock up on batteries
  • Keep cash on hand and a full tank of gas

Additional resources:

Link to PG&E