August 11, 2012 - The Chips wildfire burning in the vicinity of PG&E transmission lines in Plumas County may necessitate a temporary service interruption to approximately 11,000 customers as a public safety and precautionary measure.
With wind, low humidity and extreme heat forecasted for today, PG&E crews are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure coordination. We may need to de-energize transmission lines in the area to reduce risk to firefighters, or in the event that fire retardant is dropped in close proximity to power lines.
We are proactively working on plans to supply back-up generators to potentially impacted communities, but we want to remind all customers to be prepared for a temporary outage. Have battery-operated flashlights and radios with fresh batteries ready. If you have a telephone that requires electricity to work such as a mobile phone, plan for alternate communication. Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator and freezer during an outage to prevent food from spoiling.
Customers in the area experienced a temporary service interruption Friday, August 10, from approximately 5:10 PM to around 8:30 PM. PG&E is working with U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire and other agencies to determine necessary steps for today and may need to interrupt service again. A robo call to these customers is set to be delivered this morning (Saturday, 8/11).
Affected customers are in the following areas/towns: Lake Almanor, Quincy, Greenville, Chester, Prattville, Crescent Mills, Clear Creek, Canyon Dam, Twain, Indian Falls and Genesee. PG&E substations in area: Big Meadows, Chester, East Quincy, Hamilton Branch, Gansner, Spanish Creek, Grays Flat.
Customer safety is always our top priority and we urge customers to be on alert and follow these important safety guidelines. Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and dangerous. Stay away, and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments.
Customers can report and get updates about power outages at PG&E's 24-Hour Customer Service Line: 1-800-743-5002. That number again is 1-800-743-5002.
By submitting a comment you consent to our rules. You must use your real first and last name, not a nickname or alias. A comment here is just like a letter to the editor or a post on Facebook. Thank you.
