Your safety is our priority

How will SMUD determine if the power needs to be shut off?
We have a de-energization protocol in place in the event that extreme conditions create the risk of starting or accelerating a wildfire event. We would use de-energization as a last resort to protect public safety.

Each situation is unique so the factors that determine if SMUD will implement a de-energization event depends on the specific circumstance. Turning off the power is a last resort to maintain public and customer safety during extreme fire risk conditions.

SMUD will take a combination of many factors into consideration when implementing a power shutoff, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Extreme fire danger threat levels, as classified by the National Fire Danger Rating System
• A Red Flag Warning declaration by the National Weather Service
• Low humidity levels
• Sustained high winds
• Site-specific conditions like temperature, terrain and local climate
• Critically dry vegetation that could serve as fuel for a wildfire
• On-the-ground, real-time observation from SMUD or other agency field staff

How and when will I be notified if a shutoff is necessary?

Whenever possible, we'll provide potentially impacted customers with notice before shutting power off, using all available channels to reach customers and other stakeholders with outage information. Sudden onset of conditions could impact our ability to provide advance notice to customers. If conditions allow, we’ll communicate with customers in the following ways:

• Automated phone calls will go out to customers in potentially impacted areas/neighborhoods advising when the outage is scheduled and directing them to our Outage Center for up-to-date information.
• Our Outage Center has been updated with features to enhance customer communications before and during power shutoff events. The new features include a rotating outage map that show which areas are currently impacted and which areas will be impacted next.
• The Contact Center Interactive Voice Response will have real-time recorded information informing customers that may be impacted before the rotating outages begin.
• Ongoing mass media and social media outreach will be provided throughout the shutoff to give customers and the community the latest information about the rotating outages.
• Key Account customers will be contacted by their SMUD Strategic Account Advisor.

How long will my electricity be out if a power shutoff is necessary? 

In the unlikely event we have to turn power off due to wildfire threat in our service territory, outage times will vary depending on location, severity and urgency of the situation. Power will remain off for the impacted areas until weather conditions improve and power lines are inspected and repaired, if necessary. This could take several hours or days depending on conditions.

We may also be forced to turn power off due to a lack of adequate power supply from interconnected transmission lines from surrounding utilities. If the power supply is severely limited, we’ll try to reduce the demand for power as much as possible before going to rotating outages, which would be a last resort. The likelihood of rotating outages is extremely low, but it’s best to be prepared for such a scenario. For information on outages in our service area visit the Outage Center.

Why would a community not experiencing strong winds have their power shut off? 
Turning off the power is a last resort to maintain public and customer safety during extreme fire risk conditions. Customers not in the immediate area of potential danger can be have their power shut off due to the connected nature of the electrical grid. But, we would rotate outages through all areas, circuit by circuit, to minimize the impact to everyone.

Will I be compensated for spoiled food or other losses?
Since power will be shut off for public safety due to extreme fire conditions, we will not reimburse customers for losses. If rotating outages occur, power should only be out for one-hour periods of time, but all customers should be prepared for any extended outages and have an emergency plan in place.

What do I need in my emergency preparedness plan? 
At SMUD, we prepare all year to make sure you have safe and reliable electric service at your home or business. We want to offer you tools to prepare your home and family in case of an emergency. Use this guide to help you get ready. The safety of our employees, customers and community is our top priority. We encourage customers to take steps to prepare for wildfires. Visit CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire for more information. The State of California has also created a one stop website, response.ca.gov, to provide information about wildfires, local resources and preparedness information that can help you be ready for the unknown.

If I am a MED Rate customer will my power be shut off?

We know how important reliable electric service is to our customers, especially those using medical equipment. We make every effort to prevent outages but cannot guarantee that they will not occur. In case of emergency, every customer in SMUD’s territory could be impacted by rotating outages. Please be prepared and find a location that will have emergency backup power and have a plan to evacuate to that location if necessary. SMUD’s goal is to provide as much notice as possible if we needed to shut off power to minimize the impact on our customers and community. A sudden onset of conditions could impact our ability to provide that notice.

The safety of our customers, community and employees is our top priority. Use these resources to help you prepare for a possible emergency or outage:

• Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide – use this guide for an overview of tips on how to create an emergency plan and emergency supply kit and view resource contact information. The Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide is also available in these languages:
  • Spanish
  • Chinese
  • Vietnamese
  • Russian
  • Hmong
  • Tagalog
• Emergency planning checklist – use this short checklist as a quick reference in the event of an emergency.

Other local agencies also encourage customers to take steps to prepare for wildfires and offer a range of resources: 

• 211 Sacramento connects residents to more than 1,600 community services in the Sacramento area.
• Sacramento County offers a range of resources to help residents prepare for the unexpected and be Sacramento Ready.
• CAL Fire suggests you plan, know and act. Visit CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire for more information. 
• For statewide wildfire recovery resources, visit California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
• The State of California has created response.ca.gov to provide information about wildfires, local resources and preparedness information to help you prepare for the unknown.
• The National Weather Service site will help you prepare, be aware and act early if a wildfire comes your way.