Following utility-directed power shutoffs that impacted nearly two million Californians and ahead of another public safety power shutoff, or PSPS, decision by Pacific Gas and Electric, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday demanded that PG&E do more to provide information for customers and take action to reduce the number of customers impacted.

"While the immediate goal should be to better manage the current anticipated PSPS event, PG&E’s short-term objectives should include steps to ensure that as few people as possible are impacted by any future PSPS decision," wrote Gov. Newsom in his letter to PG&E CEO William Johnson.

Gov. Newsom urged the utility to adopt the directions of the California Public Utilities Commission and continued to extend the state’s technical and operational assistance – from providing forecasting and technological support to leveraging aircraft equipment and emergency personnel.

“I continue to extend the technical assistance currently offered by the State of California to reduce the impacts of PSPS, including operational guidance from Cal OES, meteorological data from Cal Fire, and most recently, infrared-equipped aircraft to assist in inspections of power line safety and the acceleration of power restoration,” wrote the governor. “Cal OES will activate State and Regional Operations Centers to respond appropriately and ensure continuity of state agency operations that support California residents.”

Following PG&E’s unprecedented PSPS earlier this month, the governor urged PG&E to provide affected customers an automatic credit or rebate of $100 per residential customer and $250 per small business as some compensation for their hardships.

Read the full letter to PG&E CEO Johnson below.

102219 Gov. Gavin Newsom Letter to PG&E CEO Bill Johnson by LakeCoNews on Scribd