Written by Rona Sabatin
Content Writer, Johnson Creative · Updated
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)? A PSPS is when a utility temporarily turns off power to specific areas to reduce the risk of fires caused by electric infrastructure, according to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). PG&E, SCE and SDG&E list notifications at about 48, 24 and 12 hours and 1 to 4 hours before the utility turns off power, when possible. Their joint PrepareforPowerDown site says outages could last several hours or multiple days, and utilities confirm power lines are safe before restoring power.
Sources: CPUC, Public Safety Power Shutoffs and PrepareforPowerDown (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E). Last verified Nov 5, 2026.
Your utility says a Public Safety Power Shutoff could affect your area. What does that mean, how much notice will you get, and how long could the power stay off?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a temporary outage that a utility uses during extreme wildfire weather. This guide answers each question with sources from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), PG&E, SCE, SDG&E and Xcel Energy.
What Does PSPS Mean?
PSPS stands for Public Safety Power Shutoff. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) says utilities may temporarily turn off power to specific areas to reduce the risk of fires caused by electric infrastructure.
PG&E calls a PSPS “a tool of last resort to keep customers safe.” PrepareforPowerDown, the joint PG&E, SCE and SDG&E site, calls it “a last resort measure to keep communities safe from the threat of wildfire.”
Xcel Energy in Colorado describes a PSPS as turning off power “in certain areas to prevent wildfires during extreme or critical wildfire risk conditions.”
Why Do Utilities Turn Off Power During Fire Weather?
The CPUC says electric utility infrastructure has historically caused less than 10% of reported wildfires, but wildfires attributed to it make up roughly half of the most destructive wildfires in California history.
The CPUC says utilities may cut power as a measure of last resort if they reasonably believe there is an imminent and significant risk that strong winds may topple power lines or cause major vegetation-related issues that increase wildfire risk.
PrepareforPowerDown lists conditions utilities may consider, including:
- Low humidity levels
- High winds and high wind gusts
- A Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service
- Dry vegetation that could serve as fuel for a wildfire
- Real-time observations by on-the-ground field experts
Xcel Energy says it considers weather, wind speeds, relative humidity, fuel moisture and temperature, as well as critical customers and infrastructure. It describes extreme winds as wind speeds at or above the 99th percentile at specific locations.
The CPUC also notes that PSPS events can leave communities and essential facilities without power, which brings its own risks and hardships, especially for vulnerable communities and individuals.
Which Utilities Use Public Safety Power Shutoffs?
In California, the CPUC names six utilities that can shut off power for safety: San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Liberty Utilities, Bear Valley Electric Service and PacifiCorp.
Outside California, Xcel Energy describes its PSPS program on its Colorado website. Check your utility’s website for local information.
In California, you can also check the past. The CPUC’s Public PSPS Dashboard lets you look up whether a PSPS event affected an address after October 2021.
How Much Warning Do You Get Before a PSPS?
PrepareforPowerDown lists notifications about 48, 24 and 12 hours and 1 to 4 hours before the utility turns off power, when possible. Xcel Energy says that in emergencies it may not be able to provide advance notice.
| Source | What it says about notice |
|---|---|
| PrepareforPowerDown (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) | Notifications, when possible: about 48 hours, about 24 hours, about 12 hours and 1 to 4 hours before power is turned off. Also at the start of the PSPS, when safety inspections begin and after power restoration |
| PG&E fact sheet | "Our goal is to notify you one to two days before a PSPS." |
| Xcel Energy (Colorado) | Up to 48 hours (or more if possible) before a PSPS event, then up to 4 hours (or more if possible). In emergencies, it may not be able to give advance notice |
Sources: PrepareforPowerDown, PG&E PSPS fact sheet and Xcel Energy. Last verified Nov 5, 2026.
PrepareforPowerDown also lists earlier steps. It says utilities monitor the weather 7 to 10 days ahead, refine the forecast 3 to 6 days ahead and begin PSPS potential communication 2 days ahead.
How Do You Get PSPS Alerts?
PG&E and Xcel Energy tell their customers to keep their contact information current for outage notifications.
- PG&E customers: PG&E’s PSPS fact sheet says to “Update your contact information at pge.com/myalerts.”
- Xcel Energy customers: Xcel says the first step is updating your contact information in My Account and signing up for outage alerts and alerts from your local emergency responders, if available.
- Not the account holder? Xcel Energy lets non-customers sign up for PSPS notices for an address they care about, such as a workplace, a rental unit, the home of someone they are a caregiver for or another property they own.
Check your own utility’s website for its alert options.
How Long Does a PSPS Last?
PrepareforPowerDown says power will remain out for as long as extreme and dangerous weather conditions pose a potential fire risk, and outages could last several hours or multiple days.
Restoring power takes time. PrepareforPowerDown lists safety inspections that confirm power lines are safe to energize before restoring power. Xcel Energy says restoration begins after high winds and elevated fire risks have ended, and it may take several hours to several days because a crew must patrol the entire power line to make sure it is safe before it can be re-energized.
That is why PrepareforPowerDown says it is important to have an emergency plan in place.
How Do You Prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
PrepareforPowerDown recommends making a household safety plan, planning for medical needs, assembling an emergency kit, arranging backup phone charging, learning to open the garage door manually and checking the generator before it is needed.
Before a Shutoff Is Announced
PrepareforPowerDown recommends:
- A personal safety plan for every member of your household, including pets
- A plan for medical needs, such as medications that need refrigeration or devices that require power
- An emergency supply kit with food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash
- Backup charging methods for phones
- Knowing how to manually open your garage door
- Checking that your backup generator is ready and safe to operate before you need it
If you rely on a medical device that needs power, the CPUC says to make sure you have planned for an extended power outage. This includes breathing machines, power wheelchairs or scooters, and home oxygen or dialysis equipment. PrepareforPowerDown says your plan should include written emergency phone numbers, a plan to get to a backup location, telling your energy company about any medical device that depends on electricity, a backup power source and a list of contacts who can help you and know how to operate your emergency equipment.
When You Receive a PSPS Notification
Xcel Energy recommends:
- Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting. For how long food stays safe, see how long food lasts in the fridge without power.
- Turn off or unplug electrical appliances or equipment that could surge when power returns.
- Consider portable charger banks and stock up on batteries.
Generator Safety During a PSPS
During the Shutoff
PrepareforPowerDown says PG&E, SCE and SDG&E open Community Resource Centers during PSPS outages, where customers can access resources and up-to-date information. Resources listed include personal and medical device charging, mobile battery chargers, bottled water and snacks, an accessible restroom and Wi-Fi.
For food decisions during and after the outage, use how long food lasts in the fridge without power.
Will Solar Panels or a Home Battery Work During a PSPS?
The CPUC says that during a power shut-off, most solar systems will automatically power down. Some systems can island and power some or all of the appliances in your home, so check with your solar provider or licensed contractor.
For home batteries, the CPUC says a single-battery system can typically power priority appliances, such as a refrigerator, lighting and a few other outlets, for 24 to 48 hours during a power shut-off. How long yours lasts depends on the size and rating of the battery and on the amount of power your appliances draw. The CPUC says to contact your battery installer or manufacturer to make sure you know the limits of your system.
To estimate your home’s power needs, see how many watts it takes to run a house.
Will Your Phone Work During a PSPS?
It depends on your phone service. The CPUC says a copper-line landline (plain old telephone service) will generally work during a power outage, but cordless phones need you to maintain their batteries.
The CPUC also says:
- VoIP phone service depends on the provider’s underlying facility.
- Cable phone service may or may not work in a power outage.
- Cell phones may or may not have voice service in a power outage, depending on the backup power installed at cell sites.
If your internet does not come back after the power returns, see how to restart your modem and router.
How Can a Power Outage Monitor Help During a PSPS?
PrepareforPowerDown says utilities send notifications when possible, and Xcel Energy says advance notice may not be possible in an emergency. A notice also covers an area, not your outlet. PowerPal watches for power at the outlet you plug it into.
PowerPal can text or email you while you are away from the property, including a vacation home or rental. It sends a free text or email when the power goes out and another when power returns, even if the outage also knocks out your Wi-Fi. Power Pal MAX is a 15A model built for deep freezers, sump pumps and climate control systems.
Know the limits. PowerPal needs a Wi-Fi network to send its heartbeat while power is on. A device reports its own outlet’s power, not every circuit in the house, and a stopped check-in can also mean the Wi-Fi or internet dropped. For the full explanation, see how power outage alerts work.
What Are the Key Takeaways?
- A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is when a utility temporarily turns off power to specific areas to reduce the risk of fires caused by electric infrastructure (CPUC).
- PG&E, SCE and SDG&E list notifications about 48, 24 and 12 hours and 1 to 4 hours before a shutoff, when possible. Xcel Energy says it may not be able to give advance notice in emergencies.
- Outages could last several hours or multiple days, and utilities confirm lines are safe before power returns.
- Prepare early: a household plan, an emergency kit, a medical device plan and a generator that is ready and safe to operate.
- Never run a generator indoors or in a partly enclosed space.
- Most solar systems automatically power down during a shut-off, though some can island (CPUC).
- A power outage monitor reports the outlet you plug it into, not every circuit in the house.
What Else Do People Ask About PSPS?
This section answers six common questions about Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The answers come from the same sources used above.
What notice do you get before a PSPS?
PrepareforPowerDown, the joint PG&E, SCE and SDG&E site, describes notifications before a PSPS at about 48, 24 and 12 hours and 1 to 4 hours before the utility turns off power, when possible. Xcel Energy says that in emergencies it may not be able to give advance notice.
How long do PSPS outages last?
PrepareforPowerDown says outages could last several hours or multiple days. Power returns only after utilities confirm the lines are safe. Xcel Energy says a crew must patrol the entire power line first.
Which California utilities use Public Safety Power Shutoffs?
The CPUC names San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Liberty Utilities, Bear Valley Electric Service and PacifiCorp.
Can I get PSPS alerts for an address that is not my home?
Xcel Energy allows this in Colorado. Non-customers can sign up for PSPS notices for an address they care about, such as a workplace, a rental unit or the home of someone they are a caregiver for. Check whether your own utility offers a similar option.
Will my solar panels work during a PSPS?
The CPUC says most solar systems automatically power down during a power shut-off. Some systems can island and power some or all appliances, so check with your solar provider or a licensed contractor.
What does a PowerPal restoration message mean during a PSPS?
It means the PowerPal has started checking in again from the outlet you plug it into. It does not confirm every circuit or appliance, and a missed check-in can also mean the Wi-Fi or internet dropped. See how power outage alerts work.
What Should You Do Before the Next Shutoff?
Start with three steps today. Check your utility’s PSPS alert instructions. Make a household plan, including pets and any medical devices. Check that your generator is ready and safe to operate before you need it.
If you want a text or email when the power goes out at an outlet you care about, and again when it returns, see PowerPal or Power Pal MAX.
Related guides: how long food lasts without power, how power outage alerts work and how to monitor your home while you are away.
About the Author
Rona writes guides for Johnson Creative on router rebooting, internet reliability and home monitoring. Product details come from Johnson Creative's manuals and support articles. AI tools help with drafting, and every guide is reviewed and edited by Rona before publishing.
