Learn about current utilities service disruptions and how you can be prepared for future outages.
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Electrical emergencies can happen any time. Whether it’s an accident or a weather-related situation, occasional power outages are simply unavoidable. However, you can easily prepare for the unexpected loss of power.
Download and print this checklist of storm and emergency preparedness resources to keep handy around your home or business.
To prepare for a potential power outage, you may need to take several of the following steps:
Storms and power outages can be dangerous. Follow these guidelines to keep yourselves safe:
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a preventative measure that a utility may use under extreme weather conditions to de-energize electric lines in areas that may be at risk for power-line ignited wildfires. The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) may need to preemptively shut off power when there may be fire-threat conditions; however, this option will only be used as a last resort in extraordinary circumstances. Learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs and how to prepare for such outages.
Follow these simple electrical safety tips to avoid dangerous situations, such as fire. Always follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety.
Since power outages can occur at any time, for extended duration, and with no guarantee of which line can be energized in a particular sequence, we recommend that our customers with ongoing, in-home medical conditions requiring power supply consult with their healthcare provider on how best to prepare for power outages. The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) does not maintain a priority “medical restoration list.” Adequate back-up power alternatives for specific needs may include: additional supplies of device batteries; a properly-sized, pre-charged uninterruptible power supply; an onsite generator, etc.
If anyone with a medical necessity experiences a power outage of any duration that threatens health or safety, please call 911.
PG&E manages the electric transmission grid for the entire Bay Area, including Palo Alto. While PG&E does not directly serve electricity to City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) customers, the City intakes electricity from PG&E’s transmission system. CPAU monitors and manages its own electric distribution infrastructure based on weather and safety assessments. A PG&E power shutdown due to wildfire or other risk is not likely to affect the majority of CPAU customers. If power is planned to be shut off, CPAU will inform any potential affected customers as soon as possible.
Read more about PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shut-off program at pge.com/psps
Learn more about the City of Palo Alto’s wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies and what you can expect from us:
Power outage:
(650) 496-6914
Gas leak or service disruption:
(650) 329-2579
Water leak or service disruption:
(650) 329-2579
Streetlight out:
(650) 496-6916
PaloAlto311
City of Palo Alto Utilities Electric Operations
Phone: (650) 496-6992
Email: plannedpowershutdown@cityofpaloalto.org
(650) 329-2161
Email Utilities Customer Service
Non-emergency 24-hour dispatch center:
(650) 329-2413 
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250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
General City Information
(650) 329-2100
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Last updated on April 11, 2023