More preemptive power shutoffs possible in California

Two California utilities warn more than 300-thousand customers in more than 20 counties they could cut off their power later this week to prevent wildfires.

Southern California Edison said Tuesday it’s concerned strong winds could topple power lines, or toss branches or debris onto them, sparking a fire.

The utility could start intentional outages Thursday in Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

To the north, Pacific Gas and Electric says it will decide Wednesday morning whether to cut power to 189-thousand homes and businesses in 16 counties. The shutoff could last up to 48-hours.

PG&E gave customers 24-hours notice on Tuesday. It will base its final decision on the risk from the dry, windy weather predicted for the California over the next several days.

Another possible wind event could lead to preventative blackouts over the weekend and into the early part of next week.

KYMA 2019