Battery Education · PSPS Protection
Battery Backup During
PG&E PSPS Outages
PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoffs have become a regular reality for Central Valley homeowners. Here's how a home battery system protects you during multi-day PSPS events — and why solar + battery is the only complete solution.
What Is a PSPS Event?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a planned, proactive power outage that PG&E initiates when weather conditions create an elevated wildfire risk. Specifically, PG&E shuts off power when a combination of factors is present: high winds (typically 25+ mph sustained, 45+ mph gusts), low relative humidity (below 20%), dry vegetation, and critical fire weather watches or warnings from the National Weather Service.
The logic is straightforward: downed power lines and equipment failures during high-wind events have ignited some of California's most destructive wildfires. By proactively de-energizing lines in high-risk areas, PG&E reduces the risk of utility-caused ignitions.
For homeowners, the result is the same as any other outage — no power — but with a key difference: PSPS events are planned and can last 2–5 days, far longer than typical equipment-failure outages. This duration is what makes battery backup sizing so important.
PSPS History in Fresno and Madera Counties
| Year | Max Duration | Customers Affected | Local Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Up to 5 days | ~700,000 customers statewide | Parts of Fresno County affected during October events |
| 2020 | Up to 4 days | ~345,000 customers | Fresno County included in multiple PSPS events |
| 2021 | Up to 3 days | ~25,000 customers (more targeted) | Smaller, more targeted shutoffs in high-risk zones |
| 2022–2024 | Ongoing | Variable | PSPS events continue annually; Madera County high-risk zones frequently affected |
Why Battery-Only Isn't Enough for Multi-Day PSPS Events
A single Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh) running essential loads will last 24–36 hours. That's enough for a typical overnight outage, but not for a 3–5 day PSPS event.
Battery Only (No Solar)
Day 1: Full power from battery
Day 2: Battery depleted — no power
Day 3–5: No power, no recharging
Adequate for 1-day outages only
Solar + Battery
Day 1: Battery powers home overnight
Day 2: Solar recharges battery during day
Day 3–5: Cycle repeats indefinitely
Indefinite backup for essential loads
The Health Risk: Fresno Heat + No Power
PSPS events in the Central Valley don't happen in mild weather. They happen during high-wind, low-humidity conditions that often coincide with extreme heat. A PSPS event in September or October in Fresno can mean 100°F+ temperatures with no air conditioning.
For elderly residents, young children, and people with medical conditions, this is a genuine health emergency. Heat-related illness can develop within hours in a home that reaches 95°F+ indoors. A home battery system with adequate capacity to run air conditioning — or at least a window AC unit — is not a luxury in this context.
Medical Equipment Consideration
CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, insulin refrigeration, and other medical equipment cannot wait for the grid to come back. A home battery system provides automatic, reliable power for medical equipment — without the carbon monoxide risk of a generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home battery automatically turn on during a PG&E PSPS outage?
Yes. A properly installed home battery system switches to backup mode automatically when it detects a grid outage — in milliseconds. You don't need to do anything. The transition is fast enough that most electronics don't notice the change.
How long can a home battery last during a multi-day PSPS outage in Fresno?
Without solar: a single Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh) running essential loads will last 24–36 hours. With solar recharging: indefinitely. A 7 kW solar system in Fresno generates 35–40 kWh per day in summer — enough to recharge a Powerwall 3 nearly three times over. This is why solar + battery is the right solution for PSPS protection.
Can I use a generator instead of a battery for PSPS protection?
A generator can work, but it has significant disadvantages compared to a battery: it requires fuel (which may be unavailable during a widespread outage), it produces carbon monoxide (cannot be used indoors), it requires manual startup, it's loud, and it requires regular maintenance. A battery system is automatic, silent, fuel-free, and maintenance-free.
Does PG&E give advance notice of PSPS events?
PG&E typically provides 24–48 hours of advance notice before a PSPS event through email, text, and their website. However, notice can be shorter in rapidly developing weather situations. A battery system protects you regardless of notice time — it switches on automatically the moment the grid goes down.
Is Fresno in a high PSPS risk zone?
Parts of Fresno County are in high and very high fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) designated by CAL FIRE, particularly in the foothills and eastern areas. Madera County has significant high-risk areas. Urban Fresno and Clovis are generally in lower-risk zones but can still be affected by PSPS events that target nearby high-risk areas.
What is the difference between a PSPS outage and a regular power outage?
A regular outage is unplanned — caused by equipment failure, weather damage, or accidents. PG&E typically restores power within hours. A PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) is a planned, proactive shutoff to reduce wildfire risk during high-wind, low-humidity conditions. PSPS events can last 2–5 days and affect large geographic areas. Both types of outages are handled automatically by a home battery system.
Don't Wait for the Next PSPS Event
We install solar + battery systems throughout Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and 70+ Central Valley communities. Cash purchase only — you own it outright. Licensed contractor #1063682.
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