Short answer: A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is when Southern California Edison turns off power in high-risk areas during strong winds and dry conditions to lower wildfire risk. SCE aims to warn customers 3 days, 2 days and 1 day ahead, then 1 to 4 hours before shutoff. To prepare, sign up for address alerts, plan backup power that connects through a transfer switch or interlock, and never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Why Temecula homeowners should plan for PSPS
Temecula sits in inland Southern California, where fall Santa Ana winds meet dry hills. In October 2019, Patch reported that SCE warned parts of Temecula Valley Wine Country could lose power in a PSPS, with more than 50,000 Riverside County customers under consideration. Cal Fire's updated 2025 hazard maps raised Temecula's Very High fire hazard area to 7,129 acres, up from 2,411 acres on the 2011 map. You can look up your address on the city's fire hazard severity map.
How a PSPS unfolds
- 4 to 7 days outSCE's weather team watches forecasts for high wind and dry fuel.
- 3, 2 and 1 day beforeSCE aims to notify affected customers by call, text and email.
- 1 to 4 hours beforeA final notice before power is turned off.
- During the eventUpdates at shutoff and when crews start patrols.
- RestorationCrews visually inspect lines before power returns, which can take hours after the wind drops.
Address-level alerts are available through SCE. If anyone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, ask SCE about the Medical Baseline program and the Critical Care Backup Battery program.
Your 72-hour PSPS checklist
Before
- Sign up for SCE PSPS alerts for your address
- Charge phones, power banks and medical device batteries
- Freeze water bottles to keep the fridge cold
- Know how to open your garage door manually
- Test your generator or battery and transfer switch
- Check CO alarms if you will run a generator
Never
- Plug a generator into a wall or dryer outlet
- Run a generator in a garage, even with the door open
- Leave large appliances on when power returns, turn them on one at a time
- Touch a downed line. Call 911 and SCE at 1-800-611-1911
Want backup power ready before the next wind event?
Call 877-847-6084Backup power options compared
| Option | How it connects | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable power station | Plug devices straight in | Phones, CPAP, Wi-Fi, small loads | Limited capacity |
| Portable generator + interlock | Inlet box and panel interlock installed by an electrician | Fridge, lights, some outlets | Fuel, noise, CO, manual start |
| Standby generator + transfer switch | Automatic transfer switch | Long outages, AC, whole home or critical loads | Gas line, pad, HOA review, permits |
| Home battery with solar | Battery system with its own transfer equipment | Quiet backup, recharges from solar | Capacity in multi-day events |
Sizing backup for a Temecula home
The biggest question is air conditioning. A central AC compressor draws a large surge when it starts. Your electrician adds up the loads you want to keep and the starting surge of the largest motor, then sizes the generator or battery. Many homes choose a critical loads panel that backs up only the fridge, lights, internet, garage door, medical devices and maybe one AC unit.
Rebates and help
The City of Temecula's outage preparedness page notes SCE rebates of up to $600 for generators and $150 for portable power stations, with larger amounts for some customers. Check current terms on SCE's site, since programs change. SCE also asks you to report a permanently connected generator at 1-800-655-4555.
When the power comes back
- Switch the transfer switch or interlock back to utility power as instructed
- Turn large loads on one at a time to avoid a surge
- Check food safety in the fridge and freezer
- If anything smells hot or breakers trip repeatedly, call a licensed electrician
FAQs
How long do PSPS outages last in Temecula?
It depends on how long the wind lasts and how long line inspections take. Plan for at least 24 to 72 hours of backup for essentials.
Does rooftop solar keep my power on in a PSPS?
Most grid-tied solar systems shut off when the grid is down for safety. You need a battery system or a generator to keep power on.
Do I need a permit for a generator transfer switch in Temecula?
A permanently connected transfer switch or interlock is electrical work that needs a permit. A licensed electrician pulls it with the City of Temecula.