Preparedness Information: Power

Most commonly, power goes out during bad weather, such as a thunder or windstorm, or due to a localized incident, like a vehicle accident. To report a power outage, call your power company.

Power is delivered over a series of electrical grids, which are complex and interconnected. Problems in any part of the grid can result in outages in telecommunications, manufacturing, government, healthcare, finance, transportation, utilities and more.

Providing energy to California became more complicated in 1998 by the introduction of the California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO). Cal-ISO, located in Folsom, CA, is a not-for-profit corporation that has assumed computerized command of the long-distance, high-voltage power lines that deliver electricity throughout California. It is the first market-driven power grid. Cal-ISO accepts power from a variety of energy producers and then distributes it through a system of regulated utilities. Customers in some areas can choose a specific service to bring energy from the regulated utility into their homes.

In Placer County, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Sierra Pacific Company, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District are the largest utilities companies which distribute energy. One of the major issues during emergencies regarding energy has been the complexity and interconnectedness of the ISO and the state's utilities.

For more information about the California ISO:

California ISO (http://www.caiso.com)
P.O. Box 639014
Folsom, CA 95630-9014
Phone: (916) 351-4400