SDG&E Prepares for 35,000 Power Shutoffs Amid Prolonged San Diego Heat Wave

Key points

• SDG&E notified customers of possible power shutoffs between 5 a.m. on October 2 and 6 p.m. on October 5, potentially impacting 35,006 customers.
• Affected areas include Alpine Boulevard, Campo, El Cajon, Fallbrook, Jamul, Julian, Lakeside, Pala, Pauma Valley, Pine Valley, Poway, Ramona, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs.
• Multiple tribal communities, including Barona, Campo, Cuyapaipe, and others, are also listed as potentially impacted.
• The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for San Diego County, with highs in the 90s near the coast and 100s in inland valleys through next Thursday.
• Ramona business owner Victoria Bradley reported losing $25,000 in frozen goods during a previous shutoff and is now using generators and trucks to protect inventory.
• SDG&E stated it is monitoring conditions around the clock and has positioned crews and resources to respond as needed.

Background

San Diego County has experienced multiple heat events in 2026, including a mid-September extreme heat warning and a coastal flood advisory. In late September, the county also issued a warning regarding an E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheese. The current heat wave is part of a broader regional trend, with Southern California forecasters predicting the longest heat wave of the season, potentially extending into the second week of October. Nearby Santa Barbara County recently experienced power shutoffs affecting 2,490 customers due to similar conditions.

How outlets are covering it

NBC 7 San Diego emphasized the specific customer count (35,006) and detailed the list of impacted communities and tribal reservations, highlighting the concerns of local business owners like Victoria Bradley in Ramona. The San Diego County News Center focused on public safety measures, urging residents to use Cool Zones, prepare emergency kits, and monitor for heat-related illnesses, while also noting hydrogen sulfide odor concerns near the Tijuana River Valley. LAist provided a broader regional context, noting that forecasters expect this to be the longest heat wave of the season, potentially lasting until the second week of October, and highlighted the vulnerability of children and other at-risk populations. While all sources agree on the heat and fire risk, NBC 7 and the County focused on local preparedness and specific impacts, whereas LAist emphasized the duration and broader regional implications.

Why it matters

The potential power shutoffs could disrupt daily life, business operations, and emergency services for tens of thousands of residents in San Diego County. The extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, and increases the likelihood of wildfires. Effective communication and preparation are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure public safety.

What to watch

SDG&E will continue monitoring conditions and may activate power shutoffs if wildfire risk increases. Residents are advised to stay alert to fire-weather advisories, prepare for potential outages, and use Cool Zones. The County will continue coordinating with public-safety partners and reaching out to vulnerable populations. Forecasters expect the heat wave to persist through next week, with possible daily temperature records being broken.