NORCO – High winds in the forecast have led to Southern California Edison (SCE) warnings of Public Safety Power Shut Offs in the Norco area on New Years Eve and New Years Day.
The strong Santa Ana winds can lead to potential fire activity making the shut offs necessary for the safety of SCE customers in the area. Other power outages may also occur as a result or the high winds that are not related to the power shut offs. The notice remains in effect from 10:00 p.m. on Monday, December 31, 2018, to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
“SCE recognizes this is the holiday season and tonight is New Year’s Eve, however their priority is to protect public safety, as well as the integrity of the system serving customers,” Norco city officials said.
Devastating fire activity in Southern California in recent months may lead to increased chance of these safety-related shut offs. Prior to the Paradise, California fire, customers were warned of the potential temporary shut off as a result of the high winds. Due to improved weather conditions, the company decided against the temporary shut off.
Over 6 hours after the fire began PG&E decided that shut of the electricity was necessary. The Paradise fire claimed at least 88 lives and over 80 percent of residents losing their homes. The electric company is facing dozens lawsuits accusing the company of operating faulty/unmaintained equipment. The California Attorney General’s office also asked for investigation into potential criminal charges against PG&E.
SCE customers can report outages or request information from SCE at 800-611-1911 of online at www.sce.com/outages.
