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.
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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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