Don't Let PSPS Power Shutoffs Disrupt Your Life
Automatic Backup Generators for SDG&E Fire Season Outages
What is PSPS?
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are proactive power outages initiated by SDG&E during extreme fire weather conditions. When high winds combine with low humidity and dry vegetation, SDG&E shuts off electricity to high fire threat areas to prevent equipment from sparking wildfires.
East County communities including Alpine, Jamul, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, Descanso, Pine Valley, Boulevard, and Campo experience 15-25 PSPS events annually, with outages lasting 24-72 hours. A professionally installed Generac home standby generator provides automatic backup power throughout these extended shutoffs.
Complete PSPS Protection
Why East County residents choose backup generators
Automatic Protection
Generator starts automatically within 10 seconds of SDG&E shutting off power
Full Home Coverage
Keep all essential systems running: refrigeration, medical devices, AC, heating
Unlimited Runtime
Natural gas generators run indefinitely during multi-day PSPS events
24/7 Monitoring
Mobile Link lets you monitor generator status from anywhere during outages
Fire Season Ready
Installed before June 1st - ready for peak wildfire season shutoffs
East County Experts
We understand SDG&E PSPS zones and local fire threat districts
PSPS Impact in San Diego East County
San Diego East County residents face the highest PSPS exposure in the county. The majority of Alpine, Julian, Ramona, Jamul, Descanso, Pine Valley, Boulevard, and Campo falls within SDG&E's Tier 2 and Tier 3 high fire threat districts. During red flag warnings from September through December, SDG&E proactively de-energizes power lines serving tens of thousands of East County customers. PSPS events typically last 24-72 hours while SDG&E crews inspect thousands of miles of power lines before restoration. Automatic home standby generators eliminate the disruption, danger, and financial impact of extended power outages during California wildfire season.
Expected shutoffs per year in East County fire zones
Typical PSPS outage length during peak fire season
East County residents affected by PSPS annually
When SDG&E Issues a PSPS Warning
Understanding the PSPS timeline and how generators provide protection
48 Hours Before
SDG&E notifies customers via text, email, and robocall about potential PSPS. Your generator is already fueled, maintained, and ready to activate automatically.
Power Shutoff Begins
Within 10 seconds of SDG&E cutting power, your Generac generator starts automatically. No manual intervention required. Lights stay on, refrigerator keeps running, medical devices continue operating.
During Extended Outage
Generator runs continuously on natural gas or propane for 24-72 hours while SDG&E inspects lines. Mobile Link app lets you monitor generator status remotely. Your home operates normally.
Power Restoration
When SDG&E restores utility power, your generator automatically shuts down and transfers your home back to grid power. No interaction needed. System resets for next event.
PSPS Generator Questions
How much does a PSPS backup generator cost in East County?
PSPS backup generator systems for San Diego East County homes range $8,000-$15,000 installed, depending on home size and required coverage. A typical 22 kW Generac system with automatic transfer switch, permits, and professional installation costs $12,000-$14,000. For detailed cost breakdowns and factors affecting price, see our complete generator cost guide (/guides/generator-cost-san-diego). Financing options available starting around $200-250/month (/guides/generator-financing-options). Free assessments for Alpine, Jamul, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, and backcountry properties.
Can I get a generator installed before this fire season?
Yes, we prioritize PSPS protection installations before peak fire season (June-December). Current lead time is 2-4 weeks from assessment to operational generator, including San Diego County permits and SDG&E gas service coordination. For complete preparation steps, see our fire season power planning guide (/guides/fire-season-power-planning). Contact us now to schedule your free assessment. We serve all East County fire zones including Alpine, Jamul, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, Descanso, Pine Valley, Boulevard, and Campo.
What size generator do I need for PSPS protection?
Most East County homes need 18-24 kW generators for complete PSPS protection including air conditioning during summer/fall shutoffs. Generator sizing depends on home square footage, electrical panel capacity, central AC tonnage, and critical systems (medical equipment, well pump, refrigeration). For step-by-step sizing calculations, see our generator sizing guide (/guides/what-size-generator-do-i-need). A 22 kW Generac Guardian powers most 2,000-3,000 sq ft homes. We provide free load calculations specific to your property.
Do generators run on natural gas during PSPS events?
Yes, Generac generators run on SDG&E natural gas service where available (Alpine, Lakeside, parts of Ramona/Jamul). Natural gas is ideal for PSPS because fuel supply is unlimited - no tank to refill during multi-day outages. SDG&E natural gas service continues operating during PSPS events; only electrical power is shut off. For help choosing between fuel types, see our propane vs natural gas guide (/guides/propane-vs-natural-gas-generators). For properties without natural gas, generators operate on propane with appropriately sized tank.
Are backup generators required in PSPS zones?
Generators aren't legally required in SDG&E PSPS zones, but they're the only reliable solution for maintaining power during planned fire season shutoffs. Most of East County San Diego falls within Tier 2 and Tier 3 high fire threat districts subject to repeated PSPS events annually. For complete PSPS preparation steps, see our PSPS preparedness checklist (/guides/psps-preparedness-checklist). Home standby generators eliminate PSPS disruption and provide peace of mind throughout wildfire season.
How do I know if my area gets PSPS power shutoffs?
Check your address on SDG&E's PSPS map at sdge.com/psps to see if you're in a high fire threat district. Generally, all of Julian, most of Alpine, Ramona, Jamul, Descanso, Pine Valley, Boulevard, and Campo receive annual PSPS shutoffs. For detailed preparation steps, see our PSPS preparedness checklist (/guides/psps-preparedness-checklist). SDG&E maintains customer contact lists for PSPS notifications via text, email, and phone. We can quickly assess your property's PSPS exposure during a free consultation.
Get Protected Before the Next PSPS Event
Free assessment and quote for East County PSPS backup power
PSPS Protection Generator Pricing
Complete backup power systems for fire season protection
Essential Protection
Critical circuits during PSPS
- Refrigeration & lights
- Medical equipment
- Communication systems
- Automatic startup
Full Home Protection
Complete PSPS coverage
- Whole house including AC
- Well pump compatible
- Extended runtime
- Mobile monitoring
Get an exact quote for your property with a free on-site assessment
Includes generator, transfer switch, permits, and professional installation.
PSPS Events and Your East County Home
SDG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs affect tens of thousands of East County residents annually during fire season. Properties in Alpine, Ramona, Julian, and surrounding Tier 2/3 fire zones experience 15-25 PSPS events per year, with outages lasting 24-72 hours.
A professionally installed whole-house generator provides automatic protection during every PSPS event. When SDG&E shuts off power, your generator starts within 10 seconds and powers your entire home until utility power returns. With financing options available, PSPS protection is more accessible than ever.
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PSPS Protection by Area
Backup power solutions for East County fire zones