Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) – October 15–17, 2026
Dear Cambrians,
The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD), in coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), is advising residents of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that may affect portions of Cambria beginning Thursday, October 15, 2026, and continuing through Saturday, October 17, 2026.
At this time, PG&E has issued a PSPS Watch. A power shutoff has NOT been confirmed.
However, because of anticipated weather conditions and elevated wildfire risk, PG&E is evaluating whether temporarily shutting off electrical service may be necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition.
Areas That May Be Affected
Based on the preliminary information provided to the District, the following Cambria neighborhoods may be impacted:
- Marine Terrace
- Lodge Hill
Other areas may also be affected depending on weather conditions, electrical circuit configurations, and PG&E's final determination.
Residents should not assume their property is unaffected simply because they are outside these neighborhoods. We strongly encourage everyone to check their specific address using PG&E's outage mapping system.
Potential Duration
If PG&E initiates a PSPS, affected residents could experience an interruption in electrical service lasting up to three days (72 hours).
Actual outage duration will depend on weather conditions, the ability of PG&E crews to inspect electrical infrastructure, and the restoration of safe operating conditions.
Power may be restored sooner, and it is also possible that no shutoff will occur.
What Residents Should Do Now
CCSD and the Cambria Fire Department encourage residents to take the following precautions before Thursday:
- Prepare essential supplies. Maintain sufficient drinking water, nonperishable food, medications, and basic household supplies for at least 72 hours.
- Charge electronic devices. Fully charge cell phones, portable battery packs, flashlights, rechargeable medical equipment, and other essential devices.
- Plan for medical needs. Residents who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, refrigerated medications, oxygen concentrators, or other critical devices should make arrangements for alternative power or relocation if necessary.
- Prepare for limited communications. Internet service, Wi-Fi, cellular communications, and cordless telephones may be affected during an extended outage.
- Prepare for transportation needs. Keep vehicles fueled or charged and consider that gas stations and electric vehicle charging facilities may be unavailable.
- Use generators safely. Never operate generators, charcoal grills, or other fuel-burning equipment inside homes, garages, or enclosed spaces. Keep generators outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check on neighbors. Please consider assisting elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and neighbors who may need additional support during an extended power outage.
- Prepare for possible service interruptions. Businesses and residents should consider how a prolonged outage may affect refrigeration, electronic payments, communications, and other essential operations.
PG&E Community Resource Center
PG&E has advised that, if a PSPS is implemented in Cambria, a Community Resource Center is expected to be established locally.
These centers generally provide access to device charging, basic supplies, information, and other assistance during a qualifying outage.
The location and operating hours of a Cambria Community Resource Center have not yet been announced.
Additional information will be available through PG&E as the situation develops.
Official Information and Updates
Residents are encouraged to use the following official resources for the most current information:
PG&E Seven-Day PSPS Forecast and Public Notices
https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/psps-updates/7day/
Review the notices for October 15, 16, and 17 to see which portions of San Luis Obispo County are identified as potentially affected.
PG&E Outage Map
https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/
Search for your address or Cambria and change the map filter from "Current Outages" to "Future PSPS Outages" to identify areas potentially subject to a planned shutoff.
PG&E Community Resource Centers
Information about available services and potential Community Resource Center locations.
ReadySLO – Power Outage Preparedness
https://www.readyslo.org/prepare/power-outages/
Preparedness recommendations, emergency supplies, generator safety, and additional resources for San Luis Obispo County residents.
District and Fire Department Coordination
The Cambria Community Services District and Cambria Fire Department are monitoring this developing situation and will continue coordinating with San Luis Obispo County emergency management officials and PG&E.
Our priority is the safety of Cambria residents and the continuity of essential District services.
We will share additional information as it becomes available, particularly if PG&E confirms a shutoff, identifies specific affected areas, or announces a Community Resource Center location.
Please remember: This is a precautionary notice. No shutoff has been confirmed at this time.
We encourage residents to use the next several days to prepare, remain informed, and assist neighbors who may need additional support.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation in helping keep Cambria safe.
Sincerely,
Matthew McElhenie
General Manager
Cambria Community Services District