Southern California Edison (SCE) may temporarily shut off electricity during dangerous fire-weather conditions to reduce the risk of electrical equipment starting a wildfire. These events are called Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Villa Park residents served by SCE should know how to check their address, receive alerts and prepare for a possible outage.
What Is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
A PSPS is a temporary power shutoff that SCE may use as a measure of last resort when conditions such as strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation create an elevated wildfire risk. A Red Flag Warning can be one factor, but a warning does not automatically mean that power will be shut off.
A PSPS may affect particular circuits or neighborhoods rather than an entire city. Villa Park residents should check their specific address with SCE when a PSPS is being considered.
Check Villa Park PSPS and Outage Status
For current information, use SCE's Outage Center. SCE provides current outage information and PSPS resources so customers can determine whether their address may be affected.
Sign Up for SCE Power Shutoff Alerts
SCE customers should keep their contact information and outage-alert preferences current. Visit SCE's outage alerts page for current notification options.
SCE also provides PSPS address alerts for people who want information about an address even if they are not the electric account holder. This can be useful for renters, caregivers, family members and people monitoring another property.
How Much Warning Does SCE Give Before a PSPS?
SCE may begin planning several days before potentially dangerous fire weather. When conditions indicate a PSPS may be necessary, customer notifications generally begin in advance and are updated as weather forecasts and field conditions change.
Advance notice is not always possible. Weather can change quickly, and SCE may need to act with less notice when conditions create an immediate wildfire threat. Residents should therefore maintain outage preparations during periods of high fire danger rather than relying solely on a notification.
How Long Can a PSPS Last?
There is no fixed duration. Power may remain off until dangerous weather has passed and SCE determines that affected electrical facilities can be safely re-energized. Some PSPS events can last more than 24 hours.
After conditions improve, crews may need to inspect affected circuits for damaged lines, vegetation or other hazards before restoring power. Inspections and repairs can extend the restoration period.
How to Prepare for a Power Shutoff
- Keep mobile phones and portable power banks charged.
- Have flashlights and fresh batteries available.
- Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
- Plan for refrigerated food and temperature-sensitive medications.
- Keep vehicles adequately fueled or charged.
- Be prepared for interruptions to internet service and other equipment that requires electricity.
- Keep emergency contact information readily available.
- Make a backup-power plan for essential electrically powered equipment.
Medical Equipment and Vulnerable Residents
Anyone who relies on electrically powered medical or accessibility equipment should prepare before fire-weather season and should not depend on uninterrupted utility service. SCE offers programs and resources for customers who may need additional assistance during outages. Check SCE's current outage and accessibility resources for eligibility and available services.
Generator Safety During a Power Outage
Portable generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and electrical hazards if used incorrectly. Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage or other enclosed or partially enclosed area. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and current fire-safety guidance, and never connect a generator to household wiring in a way that could backfeed utility lines.
What to Do About a Downed Power Line
Always assume a downed or dangling power line is energized. Stay well away from the line and anything it may be touching. Call 911 first to report the hazard, then report the downed line to Southern California Edison at 1-800-611-1911. Do not attempt to move a power line or an object in contact with one.
When Will SCE Restore Power?
SCE can begin restoration after dangerous weather conditions have improved and affected electrical facilities can be inspected. If crews find damage, repairs may be required before the circuit can be safely re-energized. This safety inspection is one reason power may remain off after winds have subsided.
Villa Park PSPS FAQ
Can SCE shut off power in Villa Park?
Yes. Villa Park customers can potentially be affected by an SCE Public Safety Power Shutoff when dangerous fire-weather conditions threaten electrical infrastructure serving the area.
Does a Red Flag Warning mean Villa Park will lose power?
No. A Red Flag Warning indicates dangerous fire-weather conditions but does not automatically trigger a PSPS. SCE evaluates weather, vegetation, electrical infrastructure and other conditions before deciding whether a shutoff is necessary.
How do I know if my Villa Park home is affected?
Check your specific address through SCE's Outage Center and make sure your SCE outage-alert preferences are current.
How much warning will I receive?
SCE generally attempts to notify customers in advance when a PSPS is being considered, but rapidly changing weather can reduce the amount of notice available.
How long can a PSPS last?
There is no fixed duration. An outage can continue until dangerous conditions pass and SCE completes required inspections or repairs. Some events can last more than 24 hours.
Why is my power still off after the wind stops?
SCE may need to patrol and inspect affected electrical facilities before safely restoring electricity. Damage discovered during those inspections can further delay restoration.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Stay away, assume the line is energized, call 911 and then report it to SCE at 1-800-611-1911.