Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparedness (7/14/2026)

Dear Colleagues:

This advisory summarizes key guidance on Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) ahead of the 2026 fire season. Marin County has not experienced a PSPS event since 2024, and forecasted fire-weather conditions make one or more events possible this season. Health care facilities and clinicians are advised to review emergency power plans, verify utility notification contacts, and identify electricity-dependent patients now, before an event occurs.

Background

A PSPS is a proactive de-energization of electrical lines by PG&E during periods of extreme fire-risk weather (high winds, low humidity, dry vegetation). Outages may begin with as little as 24–48 hours of notice and can last from several hours to multiple days, depending on weather and the time required to inspect and restore lines. PSPS events are distinct from unplanned outages: they are forecast-driven, and advance notification is available to those with current contact information on file with PG&E.
 

Local Context

• Marin County's last PSPS event was in 2024; many residents, new staff, and recently opened facilities have never experienced one.
• Portions of Marin lie within CPUC Tier 2 (elevated) and Tier 3 (extreme) fire-threat districts and are more likely to be de-energized.
• PSPS events often coincide with extreme heat and poor air quality, compounding health risks for older adults and those with chronic disease.
• Community Resource Centers (charging, water, air conditioning, information) are typically opened by PG&E during events; locations are announced at the time of the event.

Patients at Highest Risk

• Dependence on electrically powered medical equipment (home oxygen concentrators, ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP, home dialysis, enteral feeding pumps, powered wheelchairs/lifts)
• Medications requiring refrigeration (e.g., insulin) or temperature-sensitive supplies
• Older adults living alone, individuals with limited mobility, and those without transportation
• Individuals reliant on well water or electric pumps for water access

Recommended Actions for Clinicians

• Identify electricity-dependent patients in your practice and encourage them to enroll in PG&E's Medical Baseline Program (provides additional notifications and, when needed, in-person alerts before a shutoff). Patients not eligible may self-certify for Vulnerable Customer Status.
• Counsel at-risk patients to develop a personal outage plan: backup power or a relocation plan for medical devices, a cooler-and-ice plan for refrigerated medications, and an emergency contact list.
• Advise patients and caregivers to confirm current contact information with PG&E (1-866-743-6589) so they receive PSPS alerts; non-account holders (e.g., renters) can receive zip-code alerts by texting ENROLL to 97633.
• Anticipate increased visit and refill requests during PSPS warnings; consider early refills for patients in likely shutoff areas when clinically appropriate.

Recommended Actions for Facilities

• Verify that PG&E has at least two 24-hour contacts on file for your facility, so outage alerts are received day and night.
• Review and exercise your facility's emergency power plan: generator testing, fuel supply for a multi-day outage, refueling contracts, and contingency plans for evacuation or transfer if backup power fails.
• Review plans for temperature-sensitive medications, vaccines, and laboratory specimens.
• Per CDPH AFL 19-30.1 (PDF), a PSPS affecting a licensed health care facility is a reportable unusual occurrence. Facilities must report the outage, generator and fuel status, any patient impacts, and resource needs to:
  • The CDPH Licensing & Certification district office
  • The Marin County Health Officer
  • The Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC)

Reporting and Coordination

• During a PSPS event that impacts your facility, report facility status and resource requests to the Marin County MHOAC Program per local notification protocols such as ReddiNet, fax (415-473-3950), or phone at 415-473-3100.
• Marin County Public Health: 415-473-4163; After Hours: 415-479-5305
• For situational awareness during a event monitory PG&E PSPS Updates or call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002

Resources

• CDPH AFL 19-30.1 (PDF)– PSPS Power Outage Reporting
• PG&E Medical Baseline Program
• Prepare for Power Down (statewide AFN/preparedness resource)
• Cal OES – Power Outage Preparedness
• CPUC – Public Safety Power Shutoffs
• 211 Marin - free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral