Power Outages & You

Sun IconWhat is the power shortage problem?

We have become dependent on electricity to provide us with uninterrupted light and power to our homes and offices, run our air conditioners and microwaves and keep our favorite television programs on the air. Along with providing security in our community and computer services to our businesses, we have developed a growing dependence on electricity. That is why when we experience a "power outage," that is when the "lights go out," we are often caught off guard and unable to continue with our regular activities. To understand the situation facing California, there are two terms that need to be defined:

Rolling Blackouts

Rolling Blackouts are controlled energy outages. They typically occur between the hours of 12 noon and 7 p.m. during peak times when demand for electricity begins to exceed the local utility's available supply. Controlled or planned blackouts help prevent "uncontrolled" electrical power outages during the peak periods, which assures the electricity supply remains continuous, with minimal interruptions. These types of power outages typically last 30 to 90 minutes.

Brownouts

Brownouts occur when the electrical current flowing to your home or office is temporarily reduced (an average household can barely notice the difference). You may notice that the lights may slightly dim temporarily.

Sun IconElectrical Emergency Plan

To protect the electricity delivery system, the state's Electrical Emergency Plan is implemented as peak electrical power demands increase the possibility of potential power shortages. The plan directs the California Independent System Operator (the nonprofit agency that is in charge of 75 percent of the state's electricity supply) to issue public alerts, advisories and energy curtailments issued in the form of three stage emergencies.

Stage One

Electricity reserves fall below 7 percent. A Stage 1 is initiated to advise the public of potential power shortages and to ask all customers to conserve power.

Stage Two

Electricity reserves drop below 5 percent. Commercial customers who have signed up to voluntarily curtail power during high demand days are asked to do so.

Stage Three

Electricity reserves drop below one-and-one-half percent. This stage triggers rolling blackouts and involuntary curtailment of services to customers.

Monitor local media such as radio, television and newspapers or the ISO web site at www.caiso.com/SystemStatus.html to determine the status of Stage 1 to Stage 3 alerts.

Sun IconWhat to do if the lights go out

Be Prepared

Your best protection is being prepared ahead of time. Families and businesses can--and do--cope with power outages by preparing in advance and working together as a team.

Be Informed

Look in the lower left-hand corner of your PG&E bill to find out in which "utility block" your home is located. This is useful information in determining if your home is scheduled for a controlled rolling blackout. Check your bill each month to determine if the block number remains the same. PG&E may change block assignments as part of its ongoing review. Typically, the media announces expected rolling blackouts by utility block numbers. If you have access to the Internet, you can receive e-mail alerts for your utility block by accessing www.sfgate.com/newsletters/energy and entering your utility block number. To receive e-mail alerts by California geographic zone, visit www.incident.com/edismail.html.

Remember - the blackout will pass shortly

If a rolling blackout is implemented in your area, the electricity should come back on within 30 to 90 minutes. Until then, stay in the coolest part of the house or in the shade if you're outside.

What else can I do?

Being prepared for an electrical power outage will allow you to continue most of your regular activities comfortably without interruption until the power is restored. If a curtailment is implemented in your neighborhood remember that it is a controlled event. The electricity will come back on. Until power is restored, consider these home tips:

  • Drive carefully, courteously and defensively. Remember that traffic signals may be out in a rolling blackout. Consider each intersection where the signals are out to be a four-way stop and come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection. If you are a pedestrian, be extra alert, since normal traffic patterns are disrupted.
  • Do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an emergency. That number should only be used if there is an emergency or if some one is injured or in danger.
  • Find out now about the power outage plan at your workplace, children's schools or day care centers.
  • "Cordless" phones and telephones that require power won't work during a power outage. Corded and cellular phones, however, should work. Have at least one corded phone at your home and office that you can use during power outages.
  • Consider the special medical needs of your family members. Consult your physician about the proper precautions to take.
  • Medical patients using life support apparatus at home should consult their physicians about the best course of action. Some machines have a battery back-up that will operate for a limited period of time. PG&E has a life support customer program and will attempt to notify customers if service is to be interrupted. To participate in the program, an application must be completed and returned, accompanied by a physician’s confirmation of their condition. Applications can be obtained by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
  • Keep a flashlight in your car or near your home's front door in case the power is off in your neighborhood in the evening. If you use candles for light in your home during a rolling blackout, be extremely careful to avoid starting a fire.
  • Turn off all nonessential electrical lights. They use energy needed for essential services.
  • Minimize opening your refrigerator and freezer. Food inside should stay cold for hours if the door is left closed.
  • Avoid using appliances. Use major appliance like computers, dishwashers and washing machines after 7 p. m., when the demand for electricity is less.
  • When preparing meals, consider foods that don’t require cooking, such as salads, sandwiches or cold cuts. If you must cook, the microwave uses less energy.
  • If you have a pool, set your filter and cleaning devices to run later in the day or early morning, when the electricity supplies are more flexible.
  • Check on your elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions or use medical machinery that operates on electricity.
  • Keep your shades and draperies closed. This can help keep your home at an even temperature.
  • If you plan to make modifications to your home or pool for greater energy efficiency, contact the Building & Neighborhood Services Department to determine if a permit is required for the project. Call (925) 671-3454 or visit the office at 3024 Willow Pass Road.
  • Home Generators cannot be connected to your house power without an electrical permit from the Building & Neighborhood Services Department. Call (925) 671-3454 or visit their office at 3024 Willow Pass Road. Serious damage and injury can result from improperly wired or incorrectly connected generators. Safety tip: follow manufacturers’ suggestions. Fumes can be dangerous.

Sun IconWhat to do at the office

  • Wear comfortable business attire. Dress appropriately.
  • Turn off any lights that are not needed, especially in unused offices and conference rooms.
  • Turn down the remaining lighting levels if you can.
  • Some computers have a "low power, energy saver or stand by" mode. This will turn off your monitor and spin down your hard drive if you’re away from your computer for 10 to 15 minutes. Check to see if your computer is set for it.
  • If a State 3 alert is imminent, back up your computer data. Don’t forget to frequently save what you are working on to be ready if the power goes off.

Sun IconHow is the City of Concord addressing power outages?

As a premier organization, the City of Concord's goal is to continue delivering city services without interruption or inconvenience to our community. To meet that challenge, the City is taking an active leadership role in handling potential power outages.

Internal Measures

The City has developed an action plan to inventory, prioritize and analyze all city facilities and services and how they may be affected by power outages. Our goal is to provide critical services to customers during short-term and long-term power outages. During an extended power outage (24+ hours), most City services will be available at the Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Wing C. If you are enrolled in a Community & Recreation Services Department program, information about what will happen during a power outage will be distributed the first day of class.

Sun IconResources to help you be prepared

Important Referral Numbers

Power outages may affect the community in ways that are beyond the immediate control of City government. You may wish to contact the appropriate agency directly:

Water

Contra Costa Water District
(925) 688-8000 (Administrative offices)
www.ccwater.com

Power

PG&E
1-800-743-5002 (24-hour information on power outages)
1-800-743-5000 (Customer service)
www.pge.com
Save Energy & Money
www.pge.com/123

Fire

Contra Costa County Fire District
(925) 930-5500
(24-hour non-emergency live line)

Medical

John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System
(925) 939-3000 and (925) 682-8200
(General information)
www.johnmuirmtdiablo.com

Kaiser Permanente
(925) 372-1000 (Information - Martinez)
(925) 295-4000 (Information - Walnut Creek)
www.kaiserpermanente.org/locations/california

Sewer

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
(925) 228-9500 (District offices)
www.centralsan.org

Telephone

Pacific Bell
1-888-723-2624 (Widespread service outage status recording)
1-800-303-3000 (Headquarters/administrative offices)
www.pacbell.com

Internet Resources