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California Utility Cuts Power to Nearly 800,000 for Fire Safety

VOA News

   California power company Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) will shut off
   power to nearly 800,000 customers to prevent possible forest fires in
   parts of northern, central and coastal California.

   PG&E confirmed it will proactively shut down power in those areas for
   up to five days for customers in 34 counties in California. The company
   is calling the intentional power cuts Public Safety Power Shutoffs
   (PSPS). The PSPS will affect people's homes, as well as public services
   like traffic lights.

   Hospitals are using backup generators and likely will remain open,
   along with emergency services. Cellphone companies have said most
   cellphones should work as long as they're charged.

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