PG&E shutoffs hit tens of thousands: a PSPS checklist

PG&E shut off power in parts of California during a dry offshore wind event from October 14 to 17, 2026, according to its PG&E Currents newsroom update.

What happened

PG&E sent advance notifications starting October 12. The peak was 85,905 customers across 29 counties at 8 a.m. on October 16. Crews recorded gusts up to 67 mph and found broken equipment and vegetation touching power lines. By 7:20 p.m. on October 17, PG&E said virtually all customers had been restored.

What it means for your home

The shutoff ran from October 14 to 17, so plan for a multi-day outage, not a few hours. About 5,500 Medical Baseline customers were in scope at one point. If anyone in your home relies on power for medicine or equipment, plan early and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What to do this week

• Sign up for PG&E shutoff alerts and confirm your phone number and address.
• Charge a portable power station and keep your power banks charged.
• Set out headlamps and a battery radio where everyone can find them.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to store any medicine that needs cold, and keep a cooler with ice ready.
• Keep your gas tank topped up on windy days.

For fridge and freezer safety during an outage, read the food safety guide for fridges and freezers.