Kern County customers should brace for 24-hour power shutdown, says PG&E - Bakersfield Now
Kern County and Santa Barbara customers brace for 24-hour power shutdown, says PG&E | KBAK
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — If you live in Lebec and are a customer of PG&E, you will likely be without power for at least 24 hours starting Friday.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PG&E, issued a public safety power shutdown, starting at 9 am. Due to Friday's weather forecast of high wind gusts, the electric company says preventative measures are needed to mitigate the risk of wildfires from energized powerlines.
Factors that contribute to a public safety power shutdown include dry vegetation, little rainfall, and high winds.
Jeff Smith, spokesperson for PG&E, said high winds can knock down power lines, which can cause a spark if they are not turned off.
"We encourage customers to make sure you have batteries and flashlights," said Smith. "The same type of preparation that you might take in if there's going to be some sort of winter storm with rain."
This power shutdown is expected to affect around 800 customers in Lebec, and around 100 customers living in parts of Santa Barbara County.
PG&E said they expect the power shutdown to last at least 24 hours, but depending on the weather conditions, it could last longer.
Although this shutdown might present inconveniences to customers, PG&E said it is in the best interest of customer safety.
Customers can search their address HERE on PG&E's website to see if they will be affected.
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