Public Safety Power Shutoff
PGE may proactively turn off your power during extreme wildfire weather to protect our communities. Learn what a PSPS is, when it happens, how long outages last and how you can prepare.
What is a PSPS?
A PSPS is a planned power outage that PGE initiates to reduce the risk of wildfires during dangerous weather conditions, such as high winds, low humidity and extreme heat. It’s a last-resort safety measure used when the risk of operating electrical equipment outweighs the impact of an outage.
Protecting communities
PGE can call a PSPS anywhere across its service area in Oregon. These are intentional, precautionary shutoffs designed to protect people and property from the devastating effects of wildfire.
PSPS Explained
In the event we need to call a PSPS, we work to minimize the number of customers affected and the amount of time they are without power.
What happens when PGE calls a PSPS?
Customers receive 24-48 hours of advance notice.
A second notice is sent within 1-4 hours of shutting off power.
Then we let you know when power restoration begins and is completed.
Factors that can make PGE call a PSPS
Wind speed and gusts: High winds can down powerlines and spread sparks across dry plants, trees and brush.
Temperature and humidity: Hot, dry air dries out trees and brush, significantly raising fire risk.
Vegetation moisture: We monitor moisture levels in trees and brush across our service territories.
Field crew observations: On-the-ground crews relay real-time conditions, alongside data from weather models and fire agencies.
How long does a PSPS outage last?
A PSPS can last anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on how long hazardous conditions persist and the extent of any equipment damage found during post-event inspections. Power is not restored until:
Conditions normalize
Extreme weather: High wind, low humidity must subside before crews can safely inspect lines.
Line-by-line inspection occurs
Every line in the shutoff area is walked or patrolled to inspect for damage from wind-blown debris and other hazards.
Repairs are made
Any damaged equipment is fixed before power is switched back on.
We restore power
Power is restored as quickly as safety allows.
How you can stay informed
Log in to your account to ensure your contact information is correct.
Download the PGE app to enroll in outage text alerts.
Visit our Newsroom.
Community Resource Centers
We hope we don’t have to call a PSPS this wildfire season, but if we do, we may set up a mobile Community Resource Center to provide some relief. PGE Community Resource Centers provide a safe, welcoming and temporary place for those nearby who experience a PSPS. We’re here to help.
PSPS multi-language information
Learn about important PSPS information in your preferred language.
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