Updated Oct. 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., Responding to Changing Weather Conditions: Extreme Heat and Potential Outages

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) continues to closely monitor two significant weather conditions affecting our region. A long-duration heat wave across San Diego and Orange counties and dry offshore winds and extreme wildfire conditions that is increasing wildfire risk in portions of our service area.

As temperatures rise, many people rely more heavily on air conditioning, fans and other devices to stay safe and comfortable. Increased energy use during periods of extreme heat can place additional demand on the electric system. Combined with weather-related impacts or electric equipment issues, this may contribute to unplanned outages in some areas.  

It’s important to understand that unplanned outages are different from Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). While both can result in a loss of power, they happen for different reasons.

Unplanned outages may be caused by equipment issues, weather-related impacts or operational issues due to increased stress on the electric system. A PSPS, on the other hand, is a proactive safety measure that may be used in high-risk fire areas during dangerous wildfire weather conditions to help keep those communities safe.

Extreme heat and elevated wildfire conditions can sometimes occur at the same time, but one does not cause the other. SDG&E evaluates each situation independently and provides customers with updates and notifications based on the specific conditions and risk affecting their area. 

To stay safe and prepared during periods of extreme heat, customers are encouraged to:

• Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
• Reduce energy use during peak hours when possible to help support overall grid reliability.
• Check on older adults, neighbors and individuals with medical needs who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
• Identify nearby Cool Zones, community resources and other locations where relief from extreme temperatures may be available.
• Contact 211 for information about local assistance programs, cooling resources and support services available in their community.
• For the latest information on outages and preparedness resources, visit sdge.com/Outages, or sdge.com/ready.

Frequently asked questions:

Is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) the same as an unplanned outage?

No. A PSPS is a proactive safety measure that may be used during dangerous wildfire weather conditions to help reduce wildfire risk. Unplanned outages can occur for a variety of reasons, including equipment issues, weather impacts or other operational conditions. While both can result in a loss of power, they are different events with different causes.

Why can extreme heat increase the risk of outages?

During periods of prolonged heat and historically warm overnight temperatures, customers often use more electricity to stay cool. While SDG&E is prepared to meet increased electricity demand, extreme weather can place additional stress on equipment and may contribute to localized outages or weather-related impacts.

Will extreme heat automatically trigger a PSPS?

No. PSPS decisions are based on wildfire risk conditions, including factors such as strong winds, low humidity, dry vegetation and local weather forecasts. High temperatures alone do not trigger a PSPS.

Updated Oct. 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., Power Restored for PSPS Customers, Customers Should Continue to be Prepared

As weather conditions improve in certain areas, SDG&E safely restored power to the majority of customers impacted by a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). 

Customers should continue to monitor notifications from SDG&E and remain prepared, as weather and wildfire conditions can continue to evolve throughout the region. It is possible that there will be additional PSPS events through Sunday. Information regarding potentially impacted communities, Community Resource Centers and preparedness resources remains available at sdge.com/Ready.

Updated Oct. 2, 2026, at 12:20 p.m., Unplanned Ramona Outage Update

Customers in parts of Ramona experienced an unexpected power outage affecting circuits 235 and 237. This outage was not related to a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).  We understand how disruptive any power outage can be, especially during a period of extreme heat, heightened wildfire conditions and active PSPS operations elsewhere in the region. Crews worked safely and efficiently to restore power in Ramona, and service has now been restored to the majority of customers.

Some customers in Ramona may have noticed outage notifications displaying an estimated restoration time of Monday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. Because the region was operating under PSPS protocols, that restoration estimate was automatically applied by the notification system and did not reflect the expected restoration time for this unexpected outage. Although this outage was unrelated to PSPS operations, the active PSPS event resulted in the system-generated restoration estimate appearing on outage notifications. We apologize for any confusion and thank our customers for their patience while crews worked in challenging conditions to safely restore service.

Updated Oct. 2, 2026, at 9:01 a.m.

Due to extreme heat, fire weather conditions and Santa Ana winds, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in certain communities to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety. An up-to-date list of impacted communities can be found at sdge.com/ready.

SDG&E’s Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the high winds and severe wildfire conditions around the clock and will continue to de-energize equipment for safety as conditions warrant. Power will not be restored until conditions improve and no longer pose a threat to the infrastructure.

Click here for a copy of the news release.