Updated information.
PG&E has started shutting off power in communities across Northern California due to escalated fire risk due to high winds and dry conditions. The outage, a preventative measure, started early this morning.
The power will be turned off to communities in stages, depending on local timing of the severe wind conditions, beginning with counties in the northern part of the state.
Contra Costa County is in stage two of the shut-off schedule, which is scheduled to start at noon today.
Slated outage areas in western Contra Costa County include parts of Richmond, El Sobrante, Pinole, El Cerrito, and all of Kensington.
Other parts of the County are also affected including Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, and parts of Walnut Creek, Concord, Baypoint and Pittsburg.
This could change, depending on weather conditions. It's best to be prepared.
For an updated map and other information check
PG&E's outage update webpage.
The site is struggling to keep up with use, and might be slow or cut off. Keep trying!
A Tuesday afternoon map of outage areas is below.
Power restoration may take one to five days.
Some areas that aren't in a high fire risk area may also be affected due to the configuration of power lines.
New info - Charging Stations (for phones):
The County Employment & Human Services Department is setting up phone charging stations for community members during the shutoff in the lobbies of county buildings.
In West County, the charging station is at: 1305 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond (8 am to 5 pm)
Update on Schools:
West Contra Costa schools will open today as usual, on a normal schedule.
An updated list of schools
that could be impacted by outages depending on how long they last are Pinole Valley High School; Madera, Kensington, Olinda, Collins and Ellerhorst elementary schools.
The school district will provide updates to the parents or guardians of all students affected by power outages, once they are confirmed.
Water:
EBMUD has staged generators at critical facilities
in preparation for the outage. EBMUD strike teams are mobilizing to maintain continuous operations during this period. Customers can check EBMUD's map of affected areas to
determine if they will be impacted by the shutoff.
EBMUD is asking customers in affected areas to conserve water by reducing indoor water use and shutting off outdoor irrigation.
Additional information:
- For emergencies call 911. 911 will work during an outage.
- PG&E says that power outage will not affect gas service. There is no need to shut off the gas.
- Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) facilities, including Contra Costa Regional Medical and county health centers will not be impacted by the outage. CCHS will continue to provide services during the outage.
- BART trains will be operating if there is a power shutoff.
- For additional suggestions for getting through a power outage, check this list from UC Berkeley's Energy Institute at HAAS.
PG&E map of areas (yellow) in Contra Costa slated for power shut-down.
My office is trying to stay up on the latest power outage information. Don't hesitate to call to see if we can help you or direct you to someone who can. 510-231-8686.
