PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs leave Bay Area ranchers, residents frustrated
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Planned PG&E power shutoffs aimed at reducing wildfire risk are drawing frustration from some East Bay residents, including a cattle rancher who says the outage could cost the life of a calf.
At his ranch inside Mount Diablo State Park, cattle rancher John Ginochio said the outage came at a critical time.
"I got a calf that's stuck in a cow," Ginochio said. "I can't pull it because my generator doesn't work on that squeeze chute. The squeeze chute is electricity, and I don't have electricity because PG&E shut it off."
While Ginochio said he understands the need for safety precautions, he questioned the timing of the outage.
"I can understand safety. Where's the wind?" he said. "Why don't you shut it off when the wind is here?"
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He added that without power, "my calf is probably going to die."
PG&E spokesperson Andria Borba said the utility views public safety power shutoffs as a last resort.
"This is a measure of last resort for Pacific Gas and Electric to make sure our customers and community are safe from the risk of wildfire as weather conditions warrant," Borba said.
Miles away in Moraga, resident Charlie Luecker said he was frustrated by the length of the outage.
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"It's a long period of time," Luecker said. "It's not just overnight or a few hours."
RELATED: What you can do right now to prepare for a PG&E power shut down
Luecker said he has been able to manage with the help of a generator, which is powering refrigerators, freezers, lights and fans in his home.
PG&E said the outages were prompted by concerns over critical fire weather conditions, including gusty winds, dry vegetation, low humidity and warm temperatures that can increase wildfire danger.
As thousands of customers remain affected by the planned shutoffs through Saturday, PG&E has opened dozens of community resource centers, including one at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, to provide support and services to impacted residents.
For Ginochio, however, the focus remains on his livestock and finding a way to get through the outage.
"I'll try to address it," he said.
For PG&E PSPS map, click here.
