Guide
PSPS & power outage preparedness
A planned wildfire-safety power shutoff is different from an electrical fault in your home — here's how to tell which one you're dealing with, and how to prepare.
As of September 2026: a PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) is a planned utility shutoff during high-wind or fire-weather conditions — City of Redding addresses served by REU are not part of PG&E's PSPS program, while the surrounding Shasta County catchment generally is, so checking your utility bill is the first step in telling the two apart.
Redding Electric Pro
PSPS vs. an electrical problem in your home
During high-wind or extreme fire-weather conditions, PG&E may initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) — a deliberate, planned outage across its service territory intended to reduce the risk of utility equipment igniting a wildfire. It's a utility decision made ahead of time based on weather forecasting, not a fault in your home's wiring — and an electrician can't turn a PSPS outage back on; only the utility can restore power once conditions clear and lines are inspected.
The distinction that matters most locally: properties inside Redding city limits are generally served by REU (Redding Electric Utility), the city's own municipal utility — not PG&E. REU-served addresses are not part of PG&E's PSPS program. The surrounding Shasta County catchment — much of Anderson, Shasta Lake, and unincorporated areas like Palo Cedro and Cottonwood — is generally PG&E territory and can be affected by a PSPS event. Check a recent utility bill if you're not sure which serves your address.
A quick way to tell the two apart during an actual outage: if neighbors on your utility are also without power, it's a utility event. If power is out only at your address, it's more likely an issue inside your home worth an emergency electrician call.
How to prepare
- 1
Find out which utility serves your address
Check a recent utility bill. Properties inside Redding city limits are generally served by REU (Redding Electric Utility) — not part of PG&E’s PSPS program. The surrounding Shasta County catchment, including much of Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, and Cottonwood, is generally PG&E territory and can be included in a PSPS event.
- 2
Sign up for outage and PSPS alerts
Register directly with your utility (REU or PG&E, whichever serves your address) for advance-notice text or email alerts before a planned shutoff.
- 3
Plan for medical equipment or well water needs
If anyone in your home depends on powered medical equipment, or your water comes from a well pump, plan backup power specifically for that need — battery backup at minimum, or a generator with a properly installed transfer switch.
- 4
Never backfeed a generator into your panel without a transfer switch
Plugging a generator directly into a wall outlet to power your house ("backfeeding") can energize utility lines and seriously injure utility workers, in addition to damaging your own equipment. A licensed electrician can install a proper transfer switch so a generator connects safely.
- 5
Prep food safety and basic supplies ahead of high-wind/fire-weather season
Keep freezer/fridge thermometers on hand, know how long food stays safe without power, and keep flashlights, batteries, and a phone charging option that doesn’t depend on your home’s power.
- 6
During an outage, check whether it’s sitewide
If neighbors on your utility are also without power, it’s a utility event (PSPS or otherwise) — not something an electrician can fix. If power is out only at your address while neighbors have power, that points to a problem inside your home instead.
Backup power, done safely
A standby generator or battery backup is the most reliable way to keep power on during a planned shutoff, but it has to be connected safely — never by backfeeding a generator through a wall outlet. A licensed electrician can install a transfer switch that isolates your home's wiring from the utility grid before a generator connects, protecting both your equipment and utility line workers. If a backup-power setup is part of a larger panel project, see our panel upgrade cost guide.
If your outage turns out not to be a PSPS event — no advance notice, neighbors on a different utility still have power, or you notice burning smell or sparking — treat it as a potential electrical emergency and see our emergency electrician page for what to do next.
Common questions
What is a PSPS? +
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a deliberate, planned outage a utility initiates during high-wind or extreme fire-weather conditions to reduce the risk of utility equipment sparking a wildfire. It’s a preventive utility decision, not an electrical fault in your home.
Does Redding get PSPS shutoffs? +
It depends on your specific address. City of Redding addresses are generally served by REU (Redding Electric Utility), the city’s own municipal utility, and are not part of PG&E’s PSPS program. The surrounding Shasta County catchment — much of Anderson, Shasta Lake, and unincorporated areas like Palo Cedro and Cottonwood — is generally PG&E territory and can be affected by PSPS events.
How do I know whether REU or PG&E serves my home? +
Check a recent electric utility bill — it will name the utility. If you’re still not sure, your address’s jurisdiction (inside Redding city limits vs. the surrounding county) is the best general indicator, though it’s not a substitute for checking your own bill.
How long do PSPS outages typically last? +
It varies with weather conditions and how long it takes crews to visually inspect power lines before it’s safe to restore service — a shutoff can run anywhere from several hours to multiple days. Sign up for your utility’s own alerts for the most current estimate during an active event.
Can I just plug a generator into an outlet to power my house during an outage? +
No — this is dangerous. Backfeeding a generator through a wall outlet can energize utility lines and injure repair crews, and it isn’t a safe or legal way to power your home. A licensed electrician can install a transfer switch so a generator powers your home safely and legally.
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