SoCal Edison Warns of More Frequent and Longer Power Shutoffs in 2026

Southern California Edison (SCE) is warning that planned power shutoffs could happen more often and last longer in 2026. The utility company says that hot, dry, and windy weather is making wildfires more dangerous than ever. To protect communities, SCE may turn off electricity in high-risk areas during those conditions. These shutoffs are called Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or PSPS, and they affect neighborhoods across Southern California.

Power shutoffs like these happen all across California when utility companies decide that their electrical equipment could accidentally start a fire. Strong winds, low humidity, and dry plants can all make that risk worse. When those conditions combine, the danger of a spark starting a wildfire goes up quickly. That is why companies like SCE may cut power before a fire has a chance to start.

SCE says it has updated the way it decides when to turn off power. The company now uses a new formula that does a better job of predicting when weather could lead to a dangerous fire. It has also refined the wind speeds that trigger a shutoff decision. If winds get unusually high, the company might even shut off power earlier than before to stay ahead of the danger.

Officials are reminding people that some customers who have never lost power during a PSPS event before could be affected this year. SCE is encouraging everyone to sign up for alerts so they know when a shutoff might be coming. The company also suggests keeping a portable power station or generator at home. Visiting a community resource center during a shutoff is another option for people who need help with supplies or other essentials.

SCE equipment has been linked to several large and deadly wildfires in Southern California in recent years. The Thomas Fire and the Woolsey Fire in 2018, as well as the Fairview Fire in 2022, have all been connected to the company's equipment. In late 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice sued SCE over its alleged role in starting the Eaton Fire, which killed 19 people. These events have made preventing future fires a top priority for the company and the communities it serves.