From official newsletter

8:15am update: PG&E power shutoff within the hour

Oct 15, 2026, 3:28 PM • Councilmember Brent Blackaby

Summary

Councilmember Brent Blackaby informs Berkeley residents about an imminent Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) by PG&E affecting over 2,000 households, primarily in the Hills, starting early Thursday and lasting until Saturday noon. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, especially for medically vulnerable residents who should be on PG&E’s Medical Baseline list and may access community resource centers like the one at UC Berkeley, which offers charging stations and other support. The newsletter highlights that Cragmont Elementary will have a generator to keep school in session and assures that EBMUD water service will remain uninterrupted. Residents are urged to update contact info, prepare emergency kits, and stay informed via PG&E’s updates and local resources.

Key positions and references

Key positions

Support PG&E’s Medical Baseline protections
Prioritize community resource centers during PSPS
Ensure Cragmont Elementary remains operational with generator
Encourage resident preparedness for power outages

Agenda items and issues mentioned

PG&E PSPS event affecting Berkeley residents
Installation of generator at Cragmont Elementary
EBMUD water service continuity during PSPS

Meetings and events mentioned

PG&E PSPS event Thursday-Saturday
Community Resource Center at UC Berkeley open Thursday-Saturday 8am-10pm

Full newsletter

Formatted for readability from newsletter text.

Councilmember Brent Blackaby District 6 Newsletter

October 15, 2026

Dear Friend,

We continue to be in regular communication with representatives at PG&E as they monitor weather conditions on an hourly basis.

As of 8:15am this morning, PG&E has made the decision to de-energize the power lines in Berkeley. We expect power to be shut off for residents in the PSPS zone within the hour

I'm including links to additional resources, including the latest projected outage map, below.

*** Details on the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

PG&E announced plans to shut-off service to 2,053 Berkeley residents, including many in the Hills, on Thursday morning starting roughly at 5am and ending Saturday around noon.

As of 8:15am, the power lines have not been de-energized. PG&E is monitoring weather conditions on an hourly basis and make ongoing decisions.

Visit PG&E's PSPS Updates webpage to check if your address is impacted and get the latest information: http://links.mail3.spopessentials3.com/els/v2/Da2AHb6VNZHz/NTBscDZTMTRmZFV0UkNvRThoTkErNmwrcVFQb095L3J1ajIxUE1Dbk9Dc3M0N3pSdlZ1djhUOUxLbmZSam15eU5PbzI0M2swOUFwV0RRVFZiQ3Q4ZnVSWkNmWS96ak15VmtLeWFLUEFEcklTVFJIanBucFZCZz09S0/

*** Residents with Medical Needs

People with medical needs should be on PG&E’s Medical Baseline list and should have already been contacted directly about the PSPS. If residents are not responsive to texts/calls/emails, PG&E will knock on their door to make sure they are aware. If residents do not have a backup generator for their equipment, they will need to utilize a community resource center or other assistance.

PG&E partners with the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley for these events. Center for Independent Living is opened M-F 9am-5pm and can be reached at (510) 841-4776.

*** Community Resource Center

During a PSPS, PG&E will open Community Resource Centers (CRCs) where community members can access basic resources.

Here is the Community Resource Center nearest to us:

UC Berkeley 1 Tanglewood Rd Open Thursday-Saturday from 8am - 10pm

CRCs may provide:

* Charging stations for electronic devices and medical equipment * Wi-Fi service * Snacks and bottled water * Blankets and other items * Chairs and tables * Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible restrooms * Cellular coverage * Customer service staff * Security personnel * Hand-washing stations

*** Cragmont Elementary – School will be in session

PG&E is installing a generator on-site at Cragmont Elementary for the duration of the PSPS to allow children to continue learning at school.

*** EBMUD – Water Service Continues

EBMUD expects water service to remain reliable throughout the PSPS event. Learn more about how EBMUD prepares for power shutoffs: http://links.mail3.spopessentials3.com/els/v2/V3zgT-aXjKH0/NTBscDZTMTRmZFV0UkNvRThoTkErNmwrcVFQb095L3J1ajIxUE1Dbk9Dc3M0N3pSdlZ1djhUOUxLbmZSam15eU5PbzI0M2swOUFwV0RRVFZiQ3Q4ZnVSWkNmWS96ak15VmtLeWFLUEFEcklTVFJIanBucFZCZz09S0/

*** 5 ways to Prepare for a Potential PSPS

Preparation is the best way to reduce the impact of a potential PSPS. Taking a few simple steps now can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable if an outage becomes necessary.

(1) Make sure your contact information is up to date – Ensure PG&E has your current phone number and email address so you can receive important PSPS notifications, updates, and restoration information. Customers can also sign up for Address Alerts to receive notifications for locations where they don’t have an account.

(2) Charge essential devices and prepare for medical needs – Fully charge phones, laptops, backup battery packs, and any medical devices before a potential outage. Customers who rely on electricity for medical needs should review their backup plans and prepare them in advance.

(3) Build or restock your emergency kit – Have enough water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and pet supplies to last through an extended outage.

(4) Take steps to protect refrigerated and frozen food – Freeze extra containers of water and make extra ice before the outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage. An unopened refrigerator will typically keep food cold for up to four hours, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for up to two days.

(5) Know where to find information and resources – Visit PG&Es PSPS Updates website for the latest information and familiarize yourself with available Community Resource Centers, which offer charging stations, information, water, snacks and other support during PSPS.

Thank you for preparing for this Public Safety Power Shutoff event on a short timeline and keeping your family, your neighbors and yourself safe.

-- Brent

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Office of Councilmember Brent Blackaby 2180 Milvia St, 5th Floor Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 981-7160 bblackaby@berkeleyca.gov www.BrentBlackaby.com

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