FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Thousands of PG&E customers could be without power within a day as parts of Central California brace for high winds.

The forecast is PG&E on edge. The company is now warning customers that it may proactively turn off power.

“There is a risk of downing power lines or power lines in trees, causing a potential fire,” company spokesman Jeff Smith said. “So to really reduce the risk of wildfire, we are doing these proactive power shutoffs for public safety.”

Smith says the risk starts in Northern California on Thursday.

As of Friday, closures are “likely” for more than 1,100 customers in Fresno County, 2,900 in Madera County and 640 in Mariposa County. The closures could last until Saturday afternoon.

“On our home page there is a link where you can click over the PSPS and enter your address so you know whether or not you are in range,” Smith said.

Community Resources Centers, such as the Auberry Library, are available with restrooms, bottled water, and charging ports for devices and medical equipment.

For residents who want to stay home, Kevin Seubert with Fresno Ag says generators are an option, but they take time to set up.

“It might take a day or two to figure out all the mechanics,” Seubert said. “How do I hook it up? Hook it up? Do you have the right circuits?”

PG&E will make a final decision on turning off power closer to the onset of forecast wind conditions.

The company has faced pushback (and even fines) over previous public safety power shutoffs. State regulators said PG&E breached guidelines and failed shutdowns in 2019, leaving millions in limbo.

“It’s really a huge inconvenience for some of our customers who are affected by this,” Smith said. “But ultimately, the inconvenience of losing power is not as catastrophic as a wildfire.”

Smith says it could take some time for the power to come back on, even after the winds die down, as crews manually inspect all power lines and surrounding areas for damage.

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