Pacific Gas and Electric (the Bay Area’s electricity provider), may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) when the National Weather Service issues red flag fire warnings in the area. During a PSPS, PG&E shuts off power to portions of its electrical infrastructure both to protect the infrastructure from a fire and to prevent it from causing a fire. It’s not possible to predict when or how often the campus will be affected but it’s reasonable to assume that at least one PSPS will occur at some point each year. If a PSPS affects the UC Berkeley campus, the entire campus will close and the University will switch to a generator that provides limited power for emergency services only.
In the event of a PSPS affecting the UC Berkeley campus the Law Building will close, classes will be canceled and no students, faculty, or staff will be allowed in the building for any purpose. PG&E normally provides advance notice for PSPS, so when notified those leaving the building should turn off any non-critical equipment, lights, and computers in their work area and remain away from campus until power is restored. The University will provide recharging stations prioritizing students with medical needs or other vital functions.
For more information about how to prepare for a PSPS and what to do once the power goes out, please refer to the University’s Office of Emergency Management PSPS page.