PG&E public safety power shutoff and campus information
PG&E has announced it is planning power outages in multiple counties starting Wednesday, Oct. 23; San Francisco is not among them. At this time, San Francisco State University will remain open for classes, activities and operations.
Background and more information
On Monday, Oct. 21, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) announced plans for a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff event (PSPS) starting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, due to potential weather conditions including gusty winds and dry conditions that create a heightened fire risk in some communities.
PG&E is potentially turning off power to customers in 16 counties, primarily in foothills. While customers in high fire-threat areas are more likely to be affected, PG&E advises that electric customers across Northern California could have their power shut off. This is because the energy system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across the state.
To reiterate, the SFSU campus is not expected to be impacted and we anticipate remaining open.
If you are affected by the power shutdown
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 instructors of your situation immediately.
Additional Updates
San Francisco State University is closely monitoring weather alerts and advisories from PG&E. We will provide updates as conditions warrant.
FAQ
What is a PG&E public safety power shutoff?
For public safety, it may be necessary for PG&E 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 or PSPS.
When is the PG&E public safety power shutdown?
Weather conditions, including potential fire risk, have been forecast that may impact electric service to parts of the PG&E service area. PG&E has reported that affected areas may experience power shutoffs.
Will campus be shut down?
As of Tuesday, Oct. 22, the SFSU campus is not impacted and we anticipate remaining open.
How will SFSU communicate updates?
Should conditions change during the week, watch for SFSU emails as more information becomes available. SFSU’s campus alert notification system will be used if power is shutoff to the SFSU campus or in the event of a campus emergency due to wildfires and related unhealthy air quality.
How will I know if PG&E decides to cut off the power?
PG&E updates can be found here: https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/public-safety-event.page?WT.pgeac=GlobalHeader-PSPS-Oct19
How can I find out if the campus is affected or if my house is affected?
You can check on the PSPS for any specific address at: https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/psps-service-impact-map.page
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 shutdown?
- Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets
- Stock up on non-perishable 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
Link to San Francisco