The reality of homeownership in Upland and the surrounding foothill cities now includes the threat of mandatory power shutdowns by utility companies. From the San Antonio Heights area to the wildfire-exposed corridors stretching through Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, and La Verne, homeowners are investing in permanent backup power for one major reason: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are disruptive, unpredictable, and sometimes last days.
A whole-house standby generator is the only reliable way to ensure your family, food, and property are protected when the utility company intentionally cuts power during high-risk conditions.
What Is a PSPS Power Shutoff in California?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a proactive, intentional measure taken by utility companies (like PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) to de-energize (turn off) sections of the electric grid. This is not a typical equipment failure blackout. It is a calculated step used to prevent electrical equipment from sparking a wildfire in the inland foothill region that affects Upland, Claremont, Rancho Cucamonga, and nearby communities.
How Long Do PSPS Outages Usually Last?
The duration of a PSPS event is a major source of homeowner anxiety. Unlike a standard outage that might last a few hours, PSPS outages are often extended:
- Average Duration: Utilities often advise customers to prepare for outages lasting 48 hours or longer.
- Worst-Case Scenarios: Past events have demonstrated that power can remain off for 3 to 5 days, and in some extreme, complex cases, power restoration can take up to a week.
- Restoration Timeline: Power can only be restored after the severe weather has passed and utility crews have visually inspected every mile of de-energized line for damage, a process that must largely happen during daylight hours and is highly time-consuming.
Why Do Utilities Turn Off Power During Red Flag Warnings?
Utilities implement PSPS during a Red Flag Warning, which is an alert issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for weather events that could result in extreme fire behavior. The key factors that trigger a PSPS include:
- Sustained High Winds: Gusts can knock down power lines or cause trees/debris to strike equipment.
- Low Humidity: Critically dry air increases the flammability of vegetation.
- Dry Vegetation (Fuel): Dry plant life provides ready fuel for a spark.
By shutting down the grid, utilities eliminate the single most common cause of major wildfires in California: the electrical spark from a downed line or damaged equipment.
What Happens to Your Refrigerator and Freezer?
Refrigerators can keep food cold for a short period, but during long PSPS events, most homes experience food spoilage. Freezers begin losing temperature within several hours. A standby generator prevents this problem by keeping your refrigerator and freezer running normally. This protects your groceries and eliminates the stress of throwing away hundreds of dollars in spoiled food.
Can You Keep the Air Conditioning or Heating Running?
Yes. A whole-house generator can operate your central air conditioning or heating system. This is especially important during heat waves, cold weather snaps, and smoky wildfire conditions. Without a generator, indoor temperatures can become dangerous, especially for children, older adults, or anyone with medical sensitivities to heat or poor air quality.
How Standby Generators Work During PSPS Events
The operation of a whole-house standby generator is entirely automatic and requires no action from the homeowner:
- Detection: The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) constantly monitors the utility power.
- Startup: When the utility power drops, the ATS sends a signal to the generator engine.
- Transfer: The generator starts, warms up, and within 10 to 20 seconds, the ATS safely disconnects the home from the utility grid and transfers the home’s power load to the generator.
- Runtime: The generator runs continuously until utility power is restored, using an unlimited fuel source (natural gas) or a large propane tank.
- Shutdown: When utility power returns, the ATS transfers the load back to the utility, and the generator enters a cool-down cycle before shutting off.
Why a Portable Generator Is Not the Same
While affordable, a portable generator is an inadequate solution for extended PSPS events:
| Feature | Whole House Standby Generator | Portable Generator |
| Automation | Fully Automatic. Starts and stops itself. | Manual. Requires starting, plugging, and refueling. |
| Fuel Source | Connected to Natural Gas or a large Propane Tank (runs for days). | Small gasoline tank (requires manual refueling every 4–8 hours). |
| Power Capacity | Powers Whole House (AC, appliances, outlets). | Powers only Select Appliances via extension cords. |
| Safety | Permanently installed and code-compliant. | High risk of CO poisoning if used improperly/indoors. |
How Fast Does a Standby Generator Start?
The speed of a standby generator is one of its major advantages:
The entire transition from utility failure to full generator power is typically 10 to 20 seconds (including the brief generator warm-up period). This near-instantaneous switch ensures minimal disruption to sensitive electronics and essential appliances.
Medical Devices, Internet, Security Systems Stay On
A PSPS outage can quickly become a safety concern if you rely on medical equipment. Devices such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, powered wheelchairs, and refrigeration for medications must stay operational. Standby generators keep these systems powered without interruption.
Internet and home networking equipment also stay online. Security cameras, alarm systems, automatic gates, smart locks, and lighting remain active, which protects your property during extended outages.
Are PSPS Events Becoming More Common?
The trend in California indicates that PSPS events are likely to continue and potentially increase in the future due to:
- Warming Climate: Increases in temperature and drought conditions contribute to longer, more severe wildfire seasons.
- Extended Fire Season: What was once a short fire season is now approaching a year-round threat in many areas.
- Grid Hardening Limitations: While utilities are investing heavily in undergrounding lines and grid hardening, these are long-term projects. PSPS remains a vital tool for immediate safety mitigation.
How Much Warning Do You Actually Get?
Utilities attempt to provide 24 to 48 hours of notice, but the actual warning period can be much shorter. Weather patterns can change rapidly, and some communities report receiving only a few hours of advance notice. Because preparation time is unpredictable, relying on a manual or portable system is not practical for most households.
Sump Pumps, Garage Doors, and Well Pumps Fail Without Power
A loss of power creates logistical and functional problems in unexpected places:
- Sump Pumps: Critical for homes in low-lying areas, especially during or after rainfall. A non-functioning sump pump can lead to immediate flooding and water damage.
- Garage Doors: Modern garage doors rely on electricity. In an emergency, manually opening a heavy door takes precious time.
- Well Pumps: For homes not on city water (common in rural fire zones), a non-functional well pump means no running water for drinking, washing, or flushing toilets.
Should You Install Before the Next Fire Season?
The clear consensus among California electricians and fire safety experts is yes, you should install now.
The process, which involves permitting, gas line inspection, and installation, can take 6 to 10 weeks from the initial quote to the final inspection. Waiting until the first major Red Flag Warning of the season means you will be added to a massive backlog of homeowners scrambling to install, virtually guaranteeing you will be unprotected for that year’s fire season.
Do Standby Generators Also Protect Against Rolling Blackouts & Grid Failures?
Absolutely. A standby generator protects during any outage, whether wildfire shutoffs, heat-related rolling blackouts, transformer failures, or unplanned grid problems cause it. California experiences a variety of outage types, and a generator protects your home during all of them.
Why Installing NOW Beats Waiting for the Next Outage
Once the PSPS season begins, demand for generators rises quickly. Installers often face waitlists, inventory shortages, and extended permit timelines. Homeowners who install early avoid these delays and are protected before the first wind event of the year. Installing ahead of time also ensures you can choose the best generator size, secure financing if needed, and complete all inspections before the next shutoff.
Conclusion
PSPS events are likely to remain a part of life in many regions of California. A standby generator provides dependable, automatic power during these outages and protects your home, health, and comfort when the grid goes down. Installing before fire season ensures you are ready long before the next Red Flag Warning arrives. With the right generator system, your home stays warm, cool, connected, and secure during any outage.
