PG&E Power Shutoff in San Joaquin County: Resident Concerns and Updates

What Is PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff

Passific Gas and Electric Company (PG & E) stopped power supply for public safety on Thursday, which was on 15 counties of Northern California, including San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. These deductions designed to prevent the fire of the forest due to the fast winds due to the high winds that damage the power lines will continue till Saturday.

Tracy residents face challenges during PG&E power shutoff in heat

Why Are Power Shutoffs Happening

PG & A spokesman Jeff Smith said, "Sharp winds, low moisture and dry vegetation produce high risk of destructive forest." The shutoff was affected by 11,500 customers, out of which 985 were in San Joaquin County and 44 Stanislaus County.

How Are Residents in San Joaquin County Affected?

Daily routine has been disrupted by power cuts in Tracy. The main effects are as follows:

• Traffic disruption: Do not work traffic lights on intersections.

• Business closed: gas station and other business without electricity.

• Debris related problems: Due to strong winds, garbage cans overturn and debris gets shattered.

Resident Concerns in Tracy

In Tracey, the residents of the Wakefield Court expressed frustration at the long lasting power. 88-year-old Sally Rodriguez said, "My food is getting worse, I do not have light and I can not charge my listening instruments." Rodriguez said that the high temperature spoils the situation, "There is a lot of heat inside and I can not open windows."

Genuino Amaral, another homeowner, worried about food loss: "Everything in my freezer will be bad." Neighbors depend on wells and septic systems have to face extra challenges, because water pumps require power.

PG&E Support for Affected Communities

PG&E has opened a community resource center at Grayson Elementary School of Stanislaus County to assist residents. This center provides the following features available from 8 am to 10 pm:

• Wi-Fi access

• Breakfast and water

• Charging station for electronics and medical devices

For more information, please visit PG & E Official Outage Information Page.

Stay safe during power cut

Resident work for management during power cuts can do:

• Protect the food: Keep the refrigerator and freezer to maintain cold temperatures.

• Stay cold: If the temperature increases, go to the shady place or go to the cooling centers.

• Charge Device: Use portable charger or go to PG & E Resource Center.