California Commission Updates Guidelines for Execution of Utility Power Shutoffs

The California Public Utilities Commission on June 24 set new guidelines and rules adding to existing directives to improve preparation and access to resources during utilities’ Public Power Shutoff, or PSPS, events ahead of the wildfire season. The commission requires electric investor-owned utilities to take a results-based approach to PSPS events, which involves proactive de-energization of power lines during dangerous conditions that could cause wildfires from equipment failures.

The decision requires utilities to conduct annual PSPS exercises using the same modes of communication as in a real event. The guidelines amend the definition of Critical Facilities and Infrastructure to add more entities, and ensure that essential entities are notified of PSPS events and receive assistance for backup generation assessments to ensure resiliency during such events. Further, utilities are required to provide a resilience support program for customers that rely on electricity to maintain medical equipment and assistive technology, in addition to conducting an annual survey for those with access and functional needs. Under the updated rules, utility representatives at the senior vice president level must meet quarterly with relevant state agencies and community organizations to develop, implement, and review each utilities’ annual access and functional needs plan. All of the guidelines and rules go into effect immediately.

Utilities are mandated to submit an annual pre-season report informing the commission of activities to prepare for and mitigate the effects of PSPS events. The decision builds on 2020 PSPS directives on the de-energization of electric facilities to mitigate wildfire risk. Utilities first gained the authority to conduct PSPS in 2012, considering that utilities have been responsible for almost half of the most destructive fires in California’s history. From 2013-2019, California experienced more than 57,000 wildfires and the state’s three large energy companies conducted 33 PSPS events.