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# Brent Blackaby: The latest on Berkeley's PG&E power shutoff
- URL: https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2026/10/15/community/brent-blackaby-details-public-safety-power-shutoff/
- Published: 2026-10-15T09:01:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T09:06:36.000Z
- Description: Berkeley City Councilman Brent Blackaby shared the following update with his email list Wednesday evening.
- Author: Guest Contributor
- Tags: Community, Berkeley Hills, Power outage, Disaster preparedness, #articles

**PG&E has confirmed with my office that they are planning a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) affecting parts of Berkeley from Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 a.m. through Saturday, Oct. 17, at noon.** 

A PSPS is a wildfire prevention tool that PG&E uses to reduce the likelihood of ignitions when the weather is anticipated to create a high wildfire risk (windy, dry, hot, etc.).  
  
**PG&E should have already notified you if your home is scheduled for a power shutoff**. However, conditions can change, and additional homes may be affected, so it's important to be prepared.  
  
PG&E is taking precautions based on its assessment of its electrical infrastructure and fire weather risk. *However, the National Weather Service does not forecast Red Flag Warning conditions in Berkeley.* 

Berkeley is coordinating with PG&E and regional partners and is monitoring weather conditions closely. The City will activate fire weather procedures if warranted.   
  
Please stay safe and read below for more information.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/2026/10/unnamed.png)

## Details on the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

PG&E plans to shut off service to 2,053 Berkeley customers, including many in the Hills, on Thursday starting roughly at 5 a.m. and ending Saturday around noon.

PG&E will review weather conditions at 3 a.m. Thursday to confirm or delay the PSPS.

[**Visit PG&E's PSPS Updates webpage**](http://links.mail3.spopessentials3.com/els/v2/j8j3M6L0P2h9/WThzbTVNY3NVdDhXaVB6bk52YmEwc2Z1cmgzUmxSSW95Y1pZNGwxQ3FaMXRVU2Q3clBYVGR4ZTJhZE5kTDRCV2V6S0xhd2FDeFdQTzBra1djT2VqVEFuMDlnOUZFRFdnNS8vWWhxT1FyS2I0MkRtaURzZzlBZz09S0/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) to check if your address is impacted and get the latest information.

## Residents with medical needs

People with medical needs on PG&E's Medical Baseline list should already have been contacted directly about the PSPS. 

If residents are not responsive to texts/calls/emails, PG&E will knock on their door to make sure they are aware. If residents do not have a backup generator for their equipment, they will need to utilize a community resource center or other assistance.

PG&E partners with the [Center for Independent Living](https://thecil.org/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) in Berkeley for these events. Center for Independent Living is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at 510-841-4776.

## Community Resource Center at UC Berkeley

During a PSPS, PG&E will open [Community Resource Centers](https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/ways-we-can-help/??ref=berkeleyscanner.com#crc-table) where community members can access basic resources.  
  
Here is the Community Resource Center nearest to us:

**UC Berkeley, 1 Tanglewood Road** 
**Open Thursday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.**

CRCs may provide:

- Charging stations for electronic devices and medical equipment
- Wi-Fi service
- Snacks and bottled water
- Blankets and other items
- Chairs and tables
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible restrooms
- Cellular coverage
- Customer service staff
- Security personnel
- Hand-washing stations

## Cragmont Elementary: School will be in session

PG&E is installing a generator on-site at Cragmont Elementary for the duration of the PSPS to allow children to continue learning at school.

## EBMUD: Water service continues

EBMUD expects water service to remain reliable throughout the PSPS event. Learn more about [how EBMUD prepares for power shutoffs](https://www.ebmud.com/psps?ref=berkeleyscanner.com).

## 5 ways to prepare for a potential PSPS 

Preparation is the best way to reduce the impact of a potential PSPS. Taking a few simple steps now can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable if an outage becomes necessary. 

1. **Make sure your contact information is up to date:** Ensure PG&E has your current phone number and email address so you can receive important PSPS notifications, updates and restoration information. Customers can also sign up for [Address Alerts](http://links.mail3.spopessentials3.com/els/v2/bRj%5FTLXV%5FKhv/WThzbTVNY3NVdDhXaVB6bk52YmEwc2Z1cmgzUmxSSW95Y1pZNGwxQ3FaMXRVU2Q3clBYVGR4ZTJhZE5kTDRCV2V6S0xhd2FDeFdQTzBra1djT2VqVEFuMDlnOUZFRFdnNS8vWWhxT1FyS2I0MkRtaURzZzlBZz09S0/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) to receive notifications for locations where they don't have an account.
2. **Charge essential devices and prepare for medical needs:** Fully charge phones, laptops, backup battery packs and any medical devices before a potential outage. Customers who rely on electricity for medical needs should review their backup plans and prepare them in advance.
3. **Build or restock your emergency kit:** Have enough water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and pet supplies to last through an extended outage.
4. **Take steps to protect refrigerated and frozen food:** Freeze extra containers of water and make extra ice before the outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage. An unopened refrigerator will typically keep food cold for up to four hours, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for up to two days.
5. **Know where to find information and resources:** Visit PG&E's [PSPS Updates website](http://links.mail3.spopessentials3.com/els/v2/zANWhPpzE4B2/WThzbTVNY3NVdDhXaVB6bk52YmEwc2Z1cmgzUmxSSW95Y1pZNGwxQ3FaMXRVU2Q3clBYVGR4ZTJhZE5kTDRCV2V6S0xhd2FDeFdQTzBra1djT2VqVEFuMDlnOUZFRFdnNS8vWWhxT1FyS2I0MkRtaURzZzlBZz09S0/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) for the latest information and familiarize yourself with available [Community Resource Centers](https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support/general-outage-resources/community-resource-centers.html?ref=berkeleyscanner.com), which offer charging stations, information, water, snacks and other support during PSPS.

**Thank you for preparing for this Public Safety Power Shutoff event on a short timeline and keeping your family, your neighbors and yourself safe.**

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/2026/10/unnamed--1-.png)](https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/brent-blackaby?ref=berkeleyscanner.com)

*Sign up for* [*Brent Blackaby's email list*](https://berkeleyca.gov/your-government/city-council/council-roster/brent-blackaby?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) *via the city of Berkeley website.*

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