HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2608-66665.City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) 2026 Update: CEQA – Not a
Project (ACTION: 8:50PM – 9:00PM) Staff Presentation
Utilities Advisory Commission
Staff Report
From: Alan Kurotori, Director Utilities
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: September 2, 2026
Report #:2608-6666
TITLE
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) 2026 Update: CEQA – Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) review the City of Palo Alto
Utilities (CPAU) 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (Plan), receive public comments, and recommend
that CPAU submit the Plan to the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board (WSAB) in
accordance with Public Utilities Code Section 8387.1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan Update
for the Utilities Advisory Commission's review, receipt of comments, and recommendation for
approval to submit to the WSAB.
The Plan documents CPAU's continued efforts to reduce the risk of utility-caused wildfires
through undergrounding electric infrastructure, vegetation management, routine inspections,
weather monitoring, system hardening, emergency preparedness, customer education, and
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) planning.
The Plan specifically highlights progress on the multi-phase, multi-million-dollar Foothill Fire
Mitigation Project by undergrounding electric infrastructure and decommissioning high-voltage
overhead facilities along with other completed mitigation measures and planned future
initiatives.
BACKGROUND
Public Utilities Code Section 8387 requires publicly owned electric utilities to prepare and
maintain a Wildfire Mitigation Plan describing how electrical lines and equipment will be
1 Public Utilities Code 8387
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=8387&lawCode=PUC
constructed, maintained, and operated in a manner that minimizes the risk of utility-caused
wildfires.
3 Under the current schedule, CPAU is required to submit its
Wildfire Mitigation Plan by October 2, 2026. CPAU is currently assigned to a two-year Wildfire
Mitigation Plan reporting cycle, with a future update due in October 2028, because it continues
to own overhead electric facilities within the High Fire Threat District (HFTD) designated by the
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).4 Upon completion of the Foothill Fire Mitigation
Project and removal of the remaining overhead facilities within the HFTD, CPAU staff plan to
work with WSAB to determine whether the City qualifies for a four-year reporting interval
under a future reporting schedule.
ANALYSIS
The Plan includes updates on the following wildfire mitigation activities:
Planned completion of the Foothill Fire Mitigation Project in late 2026, including
undergrounding electric and fiber infrastructure and decommissioning City-owned overhead
wires and utility poles. As of August 2026, all overhead high-voltage lines have been de-
energized and customers are now being served via underground lines.
Ongoing vegetation management activities within the Foothills Area including vegetation
management around newly installed underground and pad-mounted equipment.
Inspection and preventative maintenance of electric infrastructure in the high fire threat
area to improve reliability and lower the incidence of power outages.
Weather monitoring and situational awareness using localized weather stations,
AlertCalifornia wildfire camera monitoring, regional fire weather forecasts, and Electricity
Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) notifications.
3 Senate Bill No. 254 - https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB254
4 Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, Wildfire Advisory Board 2026-2029 Wildfire Mitigation Plan Schedule for
Publicly Owned Utilities and Electrical Cooperatives (Dec. 2025), https://energysafety.ca.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2025/12//2026-2029-schedule-for-pou-and-co-op-wmp-submissions.pdf
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) education, planning, and emergency communications.
Coordination with the City's Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department, Public Works
Department, and Urban Forestry Division to support wildfire preparedness and emergency
response.
The Plan also updates Appendix A to summarize completed wildfire mitigation accomplishments, goals,
and future initiatives.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with the Plan. The Plan documents existing and planned
wildfire mitigation activities that are funded through the City's approved Capital Improvement Program
and annual operating budgets, as appropriate. Approval of the Plan does not authorize additional
funding but provides the planning framework supporting CPAU's utility wildfire mitigation program.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Consistent with Public Utilities Code Section 8387, the Wildfire Mitigation Plan is presented at a publicly
noticed Utilities Advisory Commission meeting to provide an opportunity for public review and
comment prior to filing with the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board. The 2026 Plan will be posted
on the City of Palo Alto Utilities website.7
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Plan is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an administrative planning activity that does not
authorize or result in a physical change to the environment. Any future capital projects
identified in the Plan will undergo separate environmental review, as applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: CPAU Wildfire Mitigation Plan Update 2026
APPROVED BY:
Alan Kurotori, Director Utilities
Staff: Terry Crowley, Chief Operations Officer
7 City of Palo Alto Utilities Website for all versions of the WMP @
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Utilities/Utilities-Services-
Safety/Safety/Utilities-Wildfire-Mitigation
WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN
2026 UPDATE
September 2, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. UTILITY OVERVIEW AND CONTEXT ................................................................................................... 1
A. Context table ............................................................................................................................... 1
B. Statutory cross-reference table ................................................................................................... 2
C. Process for Wildfire Mitigation Plan adoption ............................................................................. 2
D. Plan location on the website ........................................................................................................ 2
II. PLAN PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................... 3
A. Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 3
B. Scope............................................................................................................................................ 3
C. Plan objectives ............................................................................................................................. 3
III. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 5
A. City of Palo Alto organizational structure ................................................................................... 5
B. Coordination with other departments ......................................................................................... 6
C. Deenergization-related communication ...................................................................................... 6
IV. ELECTRIC-LINE IGNITED WILDFIRE RISK DRIVERS .............................................................................. 7
A. Primary risk drivers and specific mitigation efforts ..................................................................... 7
C. Other electric equipment-specific mitigation strategies ............................................................. 8
D. Enterprise-wide Safety Risks ........................................................................................................ 9
E. Current and prior activities ........................................................................................................ 10
V. MONITORING THE PLAN ................................................................................................................ 10
A. Measuring Plan and inspection performance ............................................................................ 10
B. Performance and outcome metrics ........................................................................................... 11
C. Applying previous Plan metrics to this Plan ............................................................................... 11
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map of CPAU Electric Service Area - CPUC HFTD Tier 2-Elevated Fire Risk “Foothills Area”
Figure 2: Organizational Structure of Roles & Responsibilities Supporting the Plan
Figure 3: Vegetation Buffer Diagram
Figure 4: High Level Map of the Foothill Fire Mitigation Project
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Summary of Key Wildfire Mitigation Activities
Appendix B: PSPS Policy and Process for Public Safety Power Shutoff
Appendix C: Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Utilities Response and Communications Procedure for Public
Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Appendix D: Plan Revision Log of Key Changes
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 1
I. UTILITY OVERVIEW AND CONTEXT
A. Context table
1 CPUC ArcGIS map https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html
2 CAL FIRE’s Santa Clara Unit 2024 Strategic Fire Plan https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-
preparedness-and-mitigation/pre-fire-planning
City of Palo Alto Utilities
High Fire
2 - 40%
1
by a PG&E PSPS.
PSPS?
to initiate its own PSPS? forecast and field conditions. Refer to the PSPS Policy
Appendix B
by information about wind regional wind conditions.2
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 2
B. Statutory cross-reference table
C. Process for Wildfire Mitigation Plan adoption
Palo Alto is unique among Public Owned Utilities (POUs) because it has a Utilities Advisory
Commission (UAC), an advisory Commission to the City Council. This commission is comprised
of Council-appointed residents who meet monthly to provide advice to City Council and staff
on utilities-related matters, including the City’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan (Plan). A Brown Act
body, the UAC publishes agendas in advance of each public meeting and provides
opportunities for public comment at each meeting. Each year, Palo Alto staff presents the
Plan at a UAC meeting where staff accept any public comments and receive feedback from
Commissioners.3 Minutes and videos of past meetings are available on the City’s website.
D. Plan location on the website
Palo Alto’s Plan is the first substantive item found on the Utilities Department safety
webpage. Navigating to this page from the Department’s main page takes only two clicks and
is intuitive. Users click on “Utilities Services and Safety,” then “Wildfire Mitigation.” 4 Because
the City also has a Fire Department and an Office of Emergency Services that respond to fires
and other emergencies, this report briefly notes how this wildfire Plan differs from other City
emergency response plans.
3 PUC 8783(b)(3) requires a POU to “present its wildfire mitigation plan in an appropriately noticed public
meeting…[and] accept comments on its wildfire mitigation plan from the public….” While not the governing board
of the utility, the UAC review satisfies the legal requirement of presenting the Plan at a noticed public meeting
where comments from the public are accepted.
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=8387&lawCode=PUC
4 Utilities Department safety webpage, www.paloalto.gov/safeutility
Code section Requirement Page
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 3
II. PLAN PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
A. Purpose
This Plan is written in compliance with Public Utilities Code section 8387 5 and describes how
the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department (CPAU) maintains and operates its electrical lines
and equipment in a manner that minimizes the risk of wildfire posed by those lines and
equipment.
B. Scope
The scope of this Plan is limited to providing information about mitigating the risk of wildfires
from electric lines and equipment. It distinguishes between mitigating risks of possible
electric line-ignited wildfires versus wildfires or wildfire suppression generally. The latter
topics are in the scope and under the purview of trained fire experts, such as the City’s Fire
Department, and not within the expertise of utility engineers and technicians. The former is
within the scope of CPAU responsibilities and is the subject of the state code section
mandating this Plan; therefore, it is the sole focus of this Plan.
Additionally, this Plan applies to the only area in the City of Palo Alto identified as a high fire
threat area per the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) High Fire Threat District
(HFTD) map. Currently, the high fire threat area in Palo Alto includes all areas with the City
limits west of Highway 280, referred to as the Foothills Area, see Figure 1 below. This area is
about eight square miles, is sparsely populated, and consists primarily of open space.
Lastly and per the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board (WSAB) request of all POUs, this
updated Plan deliberately omits general information the Board already understands in favor
of specific information about the City’s territory, infrastructure, and mitigation projects. For
example, the Board already knows that CPAU, and other POUs, meet all applicable CPUC
General Order 95 (GO95) standards so it is not reiterated here.
C. Plan objectives
The Plan’s primary objective is to guide CPAU staff in minimizing the probability that the City’s
electric distribution system may be an original or contributing source for wildfire ignition. The
City strives to ensure that its infrastructure is safe and resilient by taking proactive actions to
maintain its equipment, refine the existing Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols as
needed, and underground the electric lines in the high fire threat area.
A secondary objective is to improve the resiliency of the City’s electric distribution system and
to measure the efficacy of the wildfire mitigation strategies.
5 Public Utilities Code section 8387
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=8387&lawCode=PUC
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 4
Figure 1: Map of CPAU Electric Service Area - CPUC HFTD Tier 2-Elevated Fire Risk “Foothills
Area”
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 5
III. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. City of Palo Alto organizational structure
Figure 2 highlights staff and governing bodies with direct or indirect roles and
responsibilities related to the Plan.
Figure 2: Organizational Structure of Roles & Responsibilities Supporting the Plan
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 6
In Palo Alto, the City Council is the governing body of all City functions including the City’s
utilities. As noted above, the UAC is a Brown Act body that provides advice on utilities-
related matters. CPAU operates and maintains all the utilities in the City, including electric,
water, gas, fiber, and wastewater. CPAU also employs communications staff to engage with
the community and a Compliance Manager who, among other duties, ensures reports such
as this Plan are completed timely and appropriately.
CPAU’s electric and fiber staff noted above all play a key role in mitigating wildfire risk from
electric lines and equipment. Specifically, CPAU engineering staff produce safe and resilient
designs, and oversee wildfire mitigation projects such as undergrounding electric and fiber
lines.6
B. Coordination with other departments
CPAU’s Electric Engineering and Operations Divisions work closely with other divisions
within the Utilities Department. Utilities collaborates with the Public Works Department
(PWD) and its Urban Forestry and Environmental Compliance Division, the Fire
Department, and the Office of Emergency Services (OES). Together, these departments and
divisions proactively prepare for wildfires, act to mitigate climate and fire-related risks,
maintain utilities infrastructure, develop plans for deenergization events, provide
vegetation management, and lead Palo Alto’s robust climate action efforts. As these
divisions, departments, and teams are under the umbrella of one City, there is a strong
history of working together closely.
C. Deenergization-related communication
CPAU’s Communications staff inform the community about deenergization events. CPAU
staff maintain and update as necessary a “Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Response and
Communications Procedure for Public Safety Power Shutoff” (PSPS), see Appendix C. This
procedure details the City's outreach to customers about Public Safety Power Shutoffs
(PSPS). CPAU proactively communicates with potentially impacted customers when first
alerted to weather conditions that may require a PSPS, provides updates while monitoring
conditions, and if a PSPS is activated, communicates with customers during and after an
event.
The City uses a variety of communication channels for public information outreach.
Customers can be reached directly through the Outage Management System (OMS) using
text notification. Information on PSPS in general and specific events as they occur is provided
on the City's website (paloalto.gov/PSPS) and recordings on City hotlines such as the Electric
Operations Dispatch phone line at the Utilities Control Center and Utilities Customer Service
Call Center.
6 To keep the public informed of CPAU’s capital improvement projects (CIPs), CPAU places CIP-related information
on its website, paloalto.gov/UtilityProjects. This information includes primary staff contact information for the
projects.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 7
IV. ELECTRIC-LINE IGNITED WILDFIRE RISK DRIVERS
WITH PREVENTION AND MITIGATION EFFORTS
A. Primary risk drivers and specific mitigation efforts
Palo Alto recognizes that the WSAB is most interested in specific risks unique to each POU
and its service territory, rather than general risks carried by all electric utilities. As such, and
because Palo Alto is in the process of undergrounding the lines in its single high fire threat
area, this Plan notes only the risk associated with electric equipment in the Foothills area.
The more general risks (outside the Foothills area) Palo Alto regularly mitigates, but does
not specifically address in this Plan, include:
• Electric distribution system operating, management, and construction practices
• Weather including high winds
• Extended drought
With regard to weather monitoring, Palo Alto installed a weather station in the Foothills area
and a second weather station at the Utility Control Center to view localized weather data.
CPAU staff also monitor regional conditions, such as red flag warnings (RFW), and
communicate with first-responder departments on any actions needed due to weather
conditions.
B. Primary risk drivers and specific mitigation efforts: Vegetation type, density, and
management practices.
Wildfire risks from electric lines and equipment include vegetation intruding into power
lines, falling onto lines, or roots damaging undergrounded equipment. Mitigation efforts
include ongoing physical inspections, ensuring the proper type of vegetation is placed at the
correct distance from equipment, and adherence to the City’s Line Clearing Program and
Tree Technical Manual for proper care of trees. Palo Alto’s dedicated Urban Forestry
Division, part of the Public Works Department and staffed by trained, experienced urban
foresters, also oversees and coordinates the work of external contractors.
Palo Alto utilizes a variety of vegetation treatment methods to reduce the risk of wildfire,
including tree or branch removal, trimming, mowing, and brush cutting. To help staff track
and manage flammable new growth, Palo Alto may utilize geographic information system
(GIS) and growth modeling. Currently, this work is performed manually with physical
inspections. In addition, for the Foothills area, Urban Forestry uses an enhanced vegetation
management buffer as shown in Figure 3.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 8
Figure 3: Vegetation Buffer Diagram
C. Other electric equipment-specific mitigation strategies
The overhead distribution line serving the Foothills area has been undergrounded,
eliminating the need for the previous practice of disabling automatic reclosing on protective
devices to reduce wildfire ignition risk. The underground system is protected by vacuum fault
interrupters and substation circuit breakers that automatically isolate faults. Following a
fault, service restoration is performed only after the affected equipment has been evaluated
and any necessary repairs have been completed to ensure safe restoration. Undergrounding
significantly reduces wildfire ignition risk while improving overall system reliability and
resilience.
• Utilizing specific fuses. CPAU utilizes non-expulsion fuses in the high fire threat area.
Specifically, CPAU utilizes Eaton’s Cooper PowerE series ELFE fuse, a full range,
current-limiting dropout fuse with a self-contained design that eliminates noise and
expulsive showers. If these fuses explode, any hot metal is contained within the fuse
holder, preventing contact with vegetation.
• Deenergizing, then reenergizing when prudent. CPAU considers deenergizing electric
lines as a last resort, realizing that while the lack of power could be an inconvenience
for some customers, it could cause significant health and safety concerns for others.
However, CPAU will utilize this option when necessary to minimize the risk of an
electric-line ignited wildfire in the high fire threat area. Factors CPAU considers when
determining whether to deenergize include:
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 9
o The possible safety impacts to CPAU customers
o Any fire activity in the vicinity
o Any evacuation orders and other information from emergency personnel
o Information from local fire agencies, vegetation staff, and
CPAU electric system operators
o Local and regional weather conditions including wind, humidity,
precipitation and any red flag warnings
o The state of vegetation in the area (i.e. very dry)
• Restoring power after a wildfire or deenergization event. Lines will only be reenergized
when (1) the risk has passed, (2) the lines are inspected, and (3) any required repairs
are complete. CPAU utilizes its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy and
procedure, see Appendix B, when determining whether to deenergize lines because
of a wildfire risk. The written protocol also includes customer notification procedures
and reenergization information. In addition to customer notification from the Utilities
Department, PSPS communication is also coordinated with Palo Alto’s OES. The
decision to institute a PSPS also includes working with CPAU’s water utility staff to
determine if the City should pump water up to the reservoirs located in the Foothills
area in advance of shutting off power, to ensure there is sufficient water and water
pressure for any firefighting activities.
• Coordination with PG&E. As a transmission-dependent utility, CPAU seeks
collaboration with PG&E regarding their potential deenergization events that may
impact the City’s service territory.
• Studying device coordination strategies. Staff have engaged in protective device
coordination studies to ensure that any fault is isolated quickly and any impact
limited. Based on these studies, CPAU changed the fuse type and size, as noted above,
on Foothills area distribution lines and changed settings on protective devices
identified above.
D. Enterprise-Wide Safety Risks
Palo Alto’s protocol for identifying and addressing enterprise-wide safety risks is a
collaborative effort with various City departments. Together the goal is to prevent, protect
from, mitigate, respond to, and recover from a broad range of potential hazards and threats.
The City’s OES leads that coordination with the goal of developing, maintaining, and
sustaining a citywide, comprehensive, all hazard, risk-based emergency management
program that engages the whole community. This community driven hazard and risk
process leads to a range of plans, programs, projects, and other preparations to reduce risks
from the hazards of highest concern. The City maintains and updates the following
assessment and plans that provide information regarding the risks in Palo Alto and the
necessary actions to take.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 10
- Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 7 - The result of the THIRA
process is an organized evaluation of vulnerability and implementation measures
based on the necessary capabilities to deal with the natural and non- natural hazards
and threats of most concern.
- Santa Clara County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 8 - Identifies and
prioritizes potential and existing hazards across jurisdictional borders, including
hazards that may be further amplified by climate change, and provides mitigation
objectives with prioritized actions.
- Community Wildfire Protection Plan/Foothills Fire Management Plan 9 - Addresses a
broad range of integrated activities and planning documents to address and mitigate
the impacts of fire hazards in the Palo Alto Foothills Area.
E. Current and prior activities
CPAU’s earlier Plans note mitigation tasks the City has already completed, such as preparing
a Foothills Fire Mitigation Plan and acting as “territory lead” for the CPUC’s fire threat map.
Additionally, prior Plans note ongoing efforts, which continue. These include regular
vegetation management, inspection and maintenance of the electric distribution system,
and electric infrastructure designs that consider fire safety. Appendix A shows the status of
CPAU’s mitigation-related activities.
V. MONITORING THE PLAN
A. Measuring Plan and inspection performance
In preparing annual Plans, CPAU takes the opportunity to evaluate the current Plan for any
deficiencies, or if any best practices have changed. In doing so, CPAU considers what, if
anything, related to wildfires occurred in the high fire threat area. Any events related to
wildfires or City electric infrastructure in the Foothills area could inform future Plans and
help understand the effectiveness of the current Plan.
With regard to inspections, CPAU examines its electric infrastructure in the high fire threat
area more frequently than in other areas of the service territory. Staff strive to ensure that
all inspections are completed by June, before the historic start of fire season, or earlier,
7 The current 2017 Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment can be found at
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/oes/plans/unrestricted_palo_alto_thira_report_final_april-
2017.pdfhttps://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/oes/plans/unrestricted_palo_alto_thira_report_fi
nal_april-2017.pdf
8 The current 2023 Santa Clara County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, along with the local Palo Alto
Annex, can be found at https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Emergency-Services/Plans-and-Information/Local-
Hazard-Mitigation-Plan
9 The City has updated the pre-existing Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) dated 2017 and the Foothills
Fire Management Plan (FFMP) dated 2016. The 2025 update replaces both pre-exiting plans and now serves as the
current version of the CWPP/FFMP at https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/oes/plans/city-of-palo-
alto-cwpp-ffmp-update-final-2025.pdf
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 11
depending on drought conditions. Inspections are completed manually. Staff analyze the
results of the inspections for trends of any failures or maintenance needs, which can inform
future design changes. Staff also monitors the performance of equipment during windy and
severe weather conditions as described in the metrics below.
B. Performance and outcome metrics
CPAU audits the effectiveness of the Plan’s mitigation and prevention efforts by using two
broad metrics: performance and outcomes. Information specific to each are below:
i. Performance metrics
a. Vegetation management. This metric includes the amount of vegetation cleared
or number of trees trimmed in the high fire threat area.
b. Infrastructure maintenance in high fire threat area. This metric includes the
amount of equipment and number of lines inspected and repaired (if needed) in
the high fire threat area.
c. Project status. This metric involves monitoring the progress of any projects related
to mitigating wildfires from electric equipment or lines in the high fire threat area
and ensuring that projects progress on the proper timeline.
ii. Outcome metrics
a. Electric-line ignited wildfire. This metric includes any fire started by CPAU’s electric
equipment in the high fire threat area that traveled greater than one linear meter
from the ignition point. In at least the past 20 years, there have been zero such
fires.
b. Downed lines in the high fire threat area. For purposes of this Plan, a wires-down
event includes any instance where an electric line in the high fire threat area of
the service territory falls to the ground or onto a foreign object. CPAU will not
normalize this metric by excluding unusual events, such as severe storms. Instead,
staff will supplement this metric with a qualitative description of any such unusual
events.
C. Applying previous Plan metrics to this Plan
CPAU’s initial Plan specified two metrics for evaluating performance, each discussed below,
and noting how they have informed this revised Plan:
i. Outages to the overhead lines in the high fire threat area
In the initial 2020 Plan, staff described how CPAU would evaluate an outage in the high
fire threat area. The 2020 Plan also noted a related project in rebuilding the overhead
lines, the status of which is presented in Appendix A. CPAU’s evaluation of any
outages in the high fire threat area described in 2020 remains: Determine if CPAU’s
activities (a) could have prevented any outages, (b) were adequate to prevent an
outage, (c) could be improved, and (d) could not have prevented an outage. Both the
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 12
evaluation and metric remain for this Plan because they properly inform CPAU efforts
in preventing outages. Since January 1, 2020, CPAU has had twelve (13) outages in the
Foothills area. None were a result of a PSPS event or weather-related.
ii. Fire ignitions
An important metric, CPAU stated in the 2020 Plan that staff would provide the
number of fires occurring in the high fire threat area that were less than ten (10) acres
in size, specifically describing any fires larger than ten (10) acres. Since January 1,
2020, CPAU has had zero wildfires in the high fire threat area over ten (10) acres with
no calls to 911 to report of a wildfire of any size.
If CPAU experiences any wildfires in this area, whether ignited by electric
infrastructure or not, CPAU will work with the Fire Department, Office of Emergency
Services, and any related local government agency to review the cause, how or if
CPAU equipment related to the cause or was impacted and collaborate on any after-
action activities.
iii. Wires down
This metric includes instances of any electric lines or conductors that fall to the
ground or come into contact with a foreign object in the high fire threat area. For each
wires-down event, CPAU will utilize an evaluation system similar to CPAU’s outage
evaluation: reviewing the cause, what actions may have prevented the event, and if
there are areas for improvement.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
Page | 1
Appendix A: Summary of Key Wildfire Mitigation Activities
The City’s key mitigation activity is undergrounding overhead electric lines in the Foothills area.
This multi-phase Foothill Fire Mitigation Project includes substructure construction, including the
installation of boxes and pad-mounted equipment, cable pulling and line energization, and
decommissioning of overhead city-owned poles and equipment. This project is expected to be
complete at the end of calendar year 2026.
Figure 4: High Level Map of the Foothill Fire Mitigation Project
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 2
Summary of Key Wildfire Mitigation Activities
Grid Design, Operations
and Maintenance • Foothill Fire Mitigation Project -
undergrounding work out of 7,500 feet, including substructure and cable installation. 1,800 feet remain for
both substructure and cable installation.
• Foothill Fire Mitigation Project -
undergrounding work out of 22,000 feet, including substructure and cable installation. 10,000 feet remain
for both substructure and cable installation.
• Foothill Fire Mitigation Project -
undergrounding work, with all substructure installation finished. 4,200 feet remain for cable installation.
• Fiber Optic Extension - To strengthen communication capabilities in the high fire threat area, the installation
of underground conduit is progressing in phases, in coordination with ongoing electric substructure work,
phase by phase. The City has installed 28,000 feet out of 45,000 feet new fiber optic cables for Phases 1, 2,
3, and 4.
2025 Goals (Prior Year Objectives):
• Complete the Foothill Fire Mitigation Project - undergrounding of approximately 49,200 feet of electric
overhead distribution lines and fiber optic cable.
• Energize the remaining Foothills Fire Mitigation Project Phases 3-5
• Decommission city-owned overhead poles, along with electric and fiber lines and equipment across Phases
1-5.
2025 Accomplishments (Prior Year Overview):
• Foothill Fire Mitigation Project - Construction Phase 3 (of 5 phases): Completed 7,5
undergrounding work out of 7,500 feet, including substructure and cable installation.
• Foothill Fire Mitigation Project -
undergrounding work out of 22,000 feet, including substructure and cable installation. 10,000 feet remain
for both substructure and cable installation.
• Foothill Fire Mitigation Project - Construction Phase 5 (of 5 phases): Completed 4,200 feet of
undergrounding work, including substructure and cable installation.
• Fiber Optic Extension - To strengthen communication capabilities in the high fire threat area, the
installation of underground conduit is progressing in phases, in coordination with ongoing electric
substructure work, phase by phase. The City has installed 35,000 feet out of 45,000 feet new fiber optic
cables for Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 3
• COMPLETE Substructure Work: 49,200’ feet Completed out of 49,200'
• COMPLETE Cable Installation: 49,200' Wire pulled out of 49,200'
• COMPLETE Energized: 49,200' out of 49,200' of cable (as of August 5, 2026)
• Fiber Installation: 35,000’ out of 45,000’
• Project completion target: December 2026
2026 Goals (Current Year Objectives):
• Complete the removal of the remaining de-energized high voltage overhead conductors and associated
equipment.
• Complete the decommissioning of city-owned overhead poles, along with electric and fiber lines
and equipment across Phases 1-5.
2026-2028 Planned Initiatives (Future Strategies):
• When electric infrastructure replacements are necessary, incorporate fiberglass materials for poles and
crossarms remaining in the high fire threat area to enhance resiliency.
• The City’s multi-year Grid Modernization initiative is focused on strengthening the electric distribution
system to support 100% electrification. This effort will improve grid resiliency and reliability through the
replacement of poles, transformers, aerial wires, select cabinets, and underground infrastructure. It also
includes upgrades to two substations, with completion targeted by 2032, aligning with both near- and long-
term energy goals.
• Evaluate opportunities to incorporate the updated 2025 CAL FIRE- Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ)
designations into infrastructure planning, emergency outreach protocols, and long-term mitigation efforts
within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA). Any potential projects or enhancements, including those
affecting newly designated Moderate risk zones, will be reviewed and prioritized based on the ability to
mitigate known risks in a cost-effective manner.
• Continue undergrounding the remaining overhead service laterals in the Foothills area to reduce the
and Inspections • Electric General Order 165 Inspections in the high fire threat area:
o Completed 100% of annual inspections
o Up to date with all intrusive pole inspections
• Vegetation Management in the high fire threat area:
o Completed 100% of vegetation inspections
332 trees trimmed
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 4
•Continue to complete all required annual electric infrastructure inspections.
•Complete a
vegetation contact with electrical infrastructure.
•PWD staff is actively working to update the Draft Tree Landscape Technical Manual (TLTM) and also plan to
establish a tree and landscape line clearing policy, similar to the current utility line clearing policy.
2025 Accomplishments (Prior Year Overview):
•Electric General Order 165 Inspections in the high fire threat area:
o Completed 100% of annual inspections
o Up to date with all intrusive pole inspections
•Vegetation Management in the high fire threat area:
o Completed 100% of vegetation inspections
o Completed vegetation maintenance by trimming 7 trees and clearing 20 brush units.
•The City's draft Tree and Landscape Technical Manual (TLTM) was posted online for public comment from
December 2, 2024, through March 3, 2025.
2026 Goals (Current Year Objectives):
•Continue to complete all required annual electric infrastructure inspections.
•Complete annual vegetation maintenance, inspection and clearances from electrical lines to avoid
vegetation contact with electrical infrastructure.
•Develop vegetation management plan for underground and pad-mounted equipment.
2026-2028 Planned Initiatives (Future Strategies):
•The City has previously evaluated the use of drones for vegetation management and electric infrastructure
inspections. While privacy concerns, public feedback, and local regulations have posed challenges to
implementation, the City remains interested in exploring this technology for potential future use.
•PWD staff will incorporate the Public Tree Management Plan into the next update of the Urban Forest
Master Plan. Rather than developing it as a standalone document, its objectives and recommendations
will be addressed as part of the Urban Forest Master Plan update.
•Following completion of the Foothills Undergrounding Project, transition wildfire mitigation efforts from
overhead electric distribution facilities to underground utility infrastructure, including associated above
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 5
Situational Awareness and
Forecasting
• Monitored weather conditions daily during Red Flag Warning (RFW) periods to assess wildfire risks and
maintain situational awareness. Prepared staff for potential PSPS events by briefing them on response
protocols and collaborating with the communications team for effective coordination.
• The City partnered with Stanford and Town of Woodside to install fifty (50) N5 Sensors, advanced gas
monitors for early wildfire detection. Of these, Stanford installed twenty-five (25), Palo Alto installed twelve
(12), and Woodside installed thirteen (13). While coverage in the Foothills is not complete, these sensors
have been strategically placed in the high fire threat area to enhance early warning capabilities.
2025 Goals (Prior Year Objectives):
• Continue to enhance our OMS and update our GIS data to help with locating outages and decrease response
time.
2025 Accomplishments (Prior Year Overview):
• CPAU staff updated its membership with the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC)
to ensure continued receipt of timely operational, physical security, cybersecurity, wildfire, and severe
weather alerts and advisories, enhancing situational awareness and supporting informed operational
decision-making.
2026 Goals (Current Year Objectives):
• Continue to enhance our OMS and update our GIS data to help with locating outages and decrease response
time.
• Leverage the new fiber infrastructure to enhance wildfire monitoring capabilities by improving
communications, data transmission, and reliability for the AlertCalifornia Wildfire Camera, CPAU's
weather station, and future wildfire monitoring technologies.
2026-2028 Planned Initiatives (Future Strategies):
• As part of the Electric Grid Modernization effort, CPAU is in the early planning stages to implement an
Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). The ADMS will integrate various functionalities such
as the OMS, Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERM), and real-time monitoring to enhance grid
reliability, efficiency, and resilience. The new system will help manage issues like severe weather, the
• As part of the City's ongoing commitment to wildfire preparedness, the City engaged independent auditor
BakerTilly to conduct the Emergency Preparedness Wildfire Audit in 2024. The audit evaluated current
efforts and provided recommendations to strengthen evacuation planning and wildfire mitigation to
enhance local wildfire resilience.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 6
• A tabletop exercise for wildfire mitigation: Conduct a comprehensive tabletop exercise to assess and
improve the City’s response plans for wildfire events. This exercise will simulate wildfire scenarios, engage
key stakeholders, and identify potential gaps in communication, coordination, and resource management
to strengthen preparedness and response strategies.
• City staff is in the process of updating two existing plans, the OES Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and the
Foothills Fire Management Plan (FFMP), part of Annex 3 of the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire
Protection Plan, to improve coordination of emergency response and wildfire prevention efforts.
2025 Accomplishments (Prior Year Overview):
• The Water Utility led a wildfire mitigation tabletop exercise on June 25, 2025. The exercise included
participation from the Water, Gas, Wastewater, and Electric Operations and Engineering teams, the Utility
Control Center, the City's Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the Fire Department. The exercise
simulated wildfire response scenarios to strengthen coordination, communication, and preparedness
across participating departments.
• CPAU staff participated in PG&E's wildfire tabletop exercise on 4/30/2026 to strengthen emergency
preparedness and interagency coordination. The exercise enhanced CPAU's understanding of wildfire
response protocols, communication processes, and utility coordination during a wildfire event.
• The City updated its emergency planning documents to strengthen emergency preparedness, wildfire
prevention, and coordinated response efforts. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was updated in
March 2025 and outlines how the City and its partners coordinate preparedness for, response to, and
recovery from major emergencies and disasters. The City also updated the Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (CWPP) (2017) and Foothills Fire Management Plan (FFMP) (2016). The new April 2025 CWPP/FFMP
replaces both plans and now serves as the City's current CWPP/FFMP and Annex 3 of the Santa Clara
County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. These updates improve emergency management and
wildfire preparedness. Consistent with the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003.
2026 Goals (Current Year Objectives):
• Continue coordinating wildfire preparedness messaging and community outreach efforts with City
departments and stakeholders to provide consistent public communication regarding wildfire
preparedness, mitigation activities, and emergency response.
2026-2028 Planned Initiatives (Future Strategy):
• Continued participation in tabletop exercise for wildfire mitigation. This exercise aims to improve internal
awareness, validate updated plans mentioned above, build collaboration with our public safety staff, and
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 7
2.Notification and response
Community Outreach and
Engagement •Updated the "Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Response and Communications Procedure for Public Safety
Power Shutoff (PSPS)," enhancing coordination with city departments and improving communication with
the community, impacted customers, and media outlets. Enhanced customer communication functions
through modifications to the OMS for recorded messages, outbound SMS text notifications, and phone
calls.
2025 Goals (Prior Year Objectives):
•Continue to refine best practices to disseminate information across the City’s website and other
communication channels so customers can easily find information and updates on PSPS, specifically
during and post event(s).
2025 Accomplishments (Prior Year Overview)
• Delivered print and digital correspondence to customers in the Foothills area with information on PSPS
protocols, reminder to update contact information for notifications via OMS, and encouragement to sign
up for emergency notification platforms such as AlertSCC.
2026 Goals (Current Year Objectives):
•Continue coordinating wildfire preparedness messaging and community outreach efforts with City
departments and stakeholders to provide consistent public communication regarding wildfire
preparedness, mitigation activities, and emergency response.
2026-2028 Planned Initiatives (Future Strategy):
•Continue to educate customers about PSPS, including increased risks of wildfire due to climate change.
Inform customers about CPAU’s efforts to mitigate risks such as through utilities undergrounding, system
monitoring, and other improvements. Ensure all customers in high fire threat areas are well-informed
about how to take steps to prevent wildfire (in coordination with the Fire Department), how to prepare
for emergencies and what to do during PSPS, and what to expect from CPAU in terms of communication
and response.
•Review the PSPS Policy and Process and the Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Response and Communications
Procedure and update them as appropriate to reflect the completion of the Foothills Undergrounding
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 1
Appendix B: PSPS Policy and Process for Public Safety Power Shutoff
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 2
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 3
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 1
Appendix C: Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Utilities Response and Communications
Procedure for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Policy
The City has established a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Policy which defines the conditions for a
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and establishes general procedures.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
High winds can cause trees and debris to contact energized electric power lines, damage equipment,
and potentially lead to wildfire ignition. Utilities may temporarily turn off power to specific areas to
reduce the risk of fires caused by electric infrastructure. This temporary outage is called a Public Safety
Power Shutoff (PSPS). The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) prepares for a PSPS when severe weather
may create the risk for wildfire.
Criteria for PSPS
CPAU aligns PSPS criteria with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the primary electricity provider for the
region where Palo Alto is located. Conditions for a PSPS are:
• Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service;
• Low humidity levels less than 30%;
• Forecasted high winds above 19 miles per hour and gusts above 25-40 miles per hour.
High Fire Threat Areas
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has sorted regions according to their wildfire risk.
Homes and businesses in Tiers 2 and 3 wildfire risk areas are more likely to experience a PSPS.
• Tier 2: An area where there is an elevated risk of wildfire.
• Tier 3: An area where there is an extreme risk of wildfire.
View the CPUC map and information on fire-threat areas 10.
The electric lines most likely to be considered for PSPS are lines in Palo Alto west of Highway 280 which
are in a Tier 2 (elevated risk for wildfire) area on the CPUC Fire Threat Map. Palo Alto could also be
impacted by PSPS activities initiated by PG&E on the transmission system.
Purpose and Scope of the Utilities Wildfire Response and Communications Procedure
This document provides details on responsibilities and instructions for the implementation of a PSPS.
10 CPUC map and information on fire-threat areas https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/wildfires/fire-
threat-maps-and-fire-safety-rulemaking
Title:
Utilities Wildfire Mitigation
Response and Communications Procedure for Public Safety
Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Document Date:
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 2
The purpose of this procedure is to establish a process, assign responsibilities, and define a
communication plan for the discontinuation of electrical service to high fire threat areas in Palo Alto to
prevent potential wildfires ignited by electrical power lines and equipment.
Pertinent documents including contact information for staff in critical responder roles and backup
support, messaging templates, customer list, and more, are maintained by the CPAU.
Procedure
A.Monitoring for a PSPS
Utilities System Operators are responsible for monitoring the weather forecast for Red Flag Warnings
issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the Santa Cruz Mountains. NWS will often forecast
Red Flag Warnings up to five day forecast. The operator will note the date of the Red Flag Warning in
the daily log and will inform their Supervisor (or designee) of the conditions.
The Supervisor of the Utilities System Operators (or designee) will become the Incident Commander for
PSPS. The Incident Commander is responsible for managing the dissemination of information and
executing the PSPS procedure upon approval from the Utilities Director.
In coordination with the Utilities Director, the Incident Commander will specify the anticipated
timeframe for a potential PSPS and notify City staff listed in the Notification Section of PSPS conditions.
B.Declaring a PSPS
The Utilities Director (or designee) is responsible for declaring a PSPS event and directing the Incident
Commander to initiate a PSPS event. The Incident Commander will notify City staff listed in the
Notification Section of this PSPS protocol that a PSPS event has been initiated and provide the following
information:
•State that a PSPS event has been declared.
•The approximate timeframe of the event.
•The affected areas.
CPAU has aligned the PSPS criteria with PG&E. The latest 2024 PSPS guide is as follows:
•Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service;
•Low humidity levels, generally 30% and below;
•Forecasted high winds above 19 miles per hour and gusts above 25-40 miles per hour.
C.Preparation for a PSPS
The Incident Commander (or designee) will be responsible for the following:
•Instruct the Electric Operations Manager to prepare personnel for the power shutoff and
restoration process.
•Instruct the Water-Gas-Wastewater (WGW) Manager to prepare personnel and Water and
Wastewater facilities in the high-fire threat area for an electrical shutdown.
•Inform City staff enrolled in the outage communications chain (“top 20 list”) via text message
thread.
•Instruct the Utilities Communications Manager and the Utilities Customer Service Manager to
initiate notifications to affected customers, the Customer Service Call Center, Utility Program
Services, as well as other City staff in public-facing customer roles.
•Provide updates about PSPS conditions at mutually agreeable regular intervals to the Utilities
Communications Manager and the Utilities Customer Service Manager so staff in public-facing
customer roles will be able to edit scripted messages and address customer inquiries across
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 3
communication platforms (website, email, text, call center recordings, social media).
The Utilities Customer Service Manager (or designee) is responsible for the following:
• Maintain and provide contact information for customers in the high-fire threat area. This list
will be used to contact customers before, during, and after PSPS events. This list will be
updated as follows:
o In May or leading into fire weather season, and/or;
o When the Utilities Customer Service Manager indicates changes to the customer list
maintained on the PSPS/Outage internal SharePoint site.
• Prepare Customer Service Representatives for calls and customer inquiries related to PSPS.
• Activate recorded messages for the Customer Service Call Center Automatic Call Distribution
(ACD) for customers to hear information about a PSPS when calling (650) 329-2161.
• Relay updates from Electrical Operations on PSPS conditions to the Customer Service call
center staff and direct appropriate updates to Customer Service communication platforms
to address customer inquiries.
The Utilities Communications Manager (or designee) is responsible for the following:
• Prepare and get approval from the Utilities Director (or designee) for scripts to be used for
customer notifications.
• Maintain template messaging that will be used in notifications to customers about PSPS.
• Inform the Utility Program Services Manager about PSPS to inform key account and business
customers in affected areas.
• Ensure that the appropriate staff, including Utilities Customer Service Representatives, Utilities
Key Account Representatives, and Utilities System Operators have access to these protocols for
PSPS communication and customer notifications.
• Initiate customer notifications before, during, and after a PSPS.
• Update status of PSPS conditions via website, social media, and other communication platforms.
D. Monitoring Weather Condition Forecasts
The Utilities Incident Commander is responsible for monitoring the weather forecasts and informing the
Utilities Director of conditions, including establishing a recommended start time and duration for a PSPS
event. Once the Utilities Director has declared a PSPS and established a timeframe in coordination with
the Incident Commander, the Incident Commander will notify all City staff listed in the Notification
Section of this PSPS protocol.
The Incident Commander will contact the Utilities Communications Manager and Utilities Customer
Service Manager to initiate the approved Second Tier Message. That message will be sent to customers
who will be impacted by the PSPS and provide an estimate of the time of the PSPS. (See example in the
Messaging Section).
E. Power Shutoff
The Utilities System Operators will monitor wind conditions and the status of the Red Flag Warning after
the PSPS event has been declared and provide updates to the Utilities Director and Incident
Commander. Operators will record wind conditions in the Dispatch Log every 30 minutes.
The Utilities Director (or designee) is responsible for declaring a PSPS. Upon approval from the Utilities
Director, the Utilities System Operators will initiate a power shutoff if the following conditions are met:
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 4
• Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service;
• Low humidity levels less than 30%;
• Forecasted high winds above 19 miles per hour and gusts above 25-40 miles per hour.
The Utilities System Operators will inform the Incident Commander that the power shutoff is being
initiated. The Incident Commander will notify City staff in the Notification Section of this PSPS protocol
that the power is being shutoff.
The Utilities System Operators are responsible for the following:
• Notify the Incident Commander when conditions meet PSPS criteria.
• Initiate PSPS following direction from the Incident Commander and inform the Incident
Commander when power is shutoff.
• Document the time the PSPS occurs and confirm the area of impact and number of customers
affected.
• Open the switch that terminates power to the affected areas.
• Update the Outage Management System (OMS) outage map, customer SMS text notification,
voicemail recording for the Utilities Control Center, and email and/or phone call notifications – if
the latter is determined by the Incident Commander to be required - with PSPS information.
F. Ending PSPS Event
The Utilities System Operators will continue to monitor weather conditions and will inform the Incident
Commander when the wind speeds have decreased, or the Red Flag Warning has been called off. The
Incident Commander will inform the Utilities Director of the conditions. The Utilities Director will make
the determination that the PSPS event has ended and inform the Incident Commander. The Incident
Commander will inform City staff in the Notification Section that the PSPS declaration is over and when
restoration is complete.
G. Restoration of Power
The Incident Commander will direct the Utilities System Operators to begin the process of restoration.
The Utilities System Operators will call out line personnel for line patrol inspections. All line patrol
inspections will be conducted during daylight hours to ensure the lines are in working order. Any
damage will be assessed, and any necessary repairs must be complete before power can be restored to
those sections or anything downstream. Overhead lines will be restored after line patrol inspections are
complete.
Power restoration will occur in phases starting at the open switch near Junipero Serra Boulevard. Line
configuration at the time of reclosing will determine the sequence of restoration. Utilities System
Operators will coordinate the sequence of power restoration under guidance of the Incident
Commander.
The Incident Commander will inform the Utilities Communications Manager and Customer Service
Manager that power has been restored.
The Utilities Communications Manager and Customer Service Manager (or designees) will notify
affected customers that their power has been restored.
H. Coordination with Departments Outside of Utilities
The Utilities Director (or designee) will be responsible for communicating activities outside of the
Utilities Department and is the main channel of communication for the Incident Commander.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 5
The Office of Emergency Services will be responsible for the following:
• Assist the inter-departmental coordination efforts resulting from a PSPS incident.
• Assist with external communications as needed.
• Assist with the coordination of external entities and agencies required by the incident.
City Staff Notification List
Those on the CPA Top 20 Internal Emergency Alerts Text Group include:
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Utilities Director
Utilities Chief Operating Officer
Utilities Communications Manager
Utilities Customer Service Manager
Assistant Director of Electric & Fiber Utilities
Utilities Electric Operations Manager
Utilities Electric Operations Supervisors
Chief Communications Officer
Office of Emergency Services Director
Office of Emergency Services Coordinator
Fire Chief
Police Captain
Information Technology Director
Utilities Strategic Business Manager
Utilities Communication Projects Coordinator
Also inform:
Public Works Director
Assistant Director of Customer Services
Assistant Director of Water-Gas-Wastewater Utilities
Manager of Water-Gas-Wastewater Operations
Urban Forester
I. Utilities Communication Plan
The Utilities Communications Manager (or designee) will send out First Tier messages warning
customers that a PSPS is possible, Second Tier messages informing customers that power will be shut off
for PSPS, and eventually messaging about power restoration following the end to a PSPS event:
• First Tier Message - CPAU is monitoring conditions for a potential PSPS.
• Second Tier Message – CPAU expects a PSPS.
• Third Tier Message – PSPS initiated.
Customer Notification Steps:
1) The Utilities Communications Manager will coordinate with the Utilities Director (or designee)
on status of potential PSPS and customer notifications.
2) The Utilities Communications Manager will coordinate with staff in Electric Operations to
update and activate OMS voicemail recording on the Utilities Control Center phone line and
OMS SMS text messaging for customers in the affected areas.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 6
3) The Utilities Communications Manager will coordinate with the Customer Service Manager to
call customers without mobile phones in the affected areas and update outgoing messages in
the Utilities Customer Service Call Center to alert customers about a PSPS event.
The following communication platforms will have coordinated messages:
• OMS - Outage Management System voicemail recording and SMS text
• Website
• Emails to affected customers
• ACD – Automatic Call Distribution recording on Utilities Customer Service Call Center line at
(650) 329-2161
• Social media – X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook – if deemed appropriate by the Utilities
Director and Utilities Communications Manager.
Template Messaging
First Tier (Monitoring for a potential PSPS)
1) OMS Text (SMS)
Red Flag Warning in effect from Date and Time through Date and Time. CPAU is monitoring conditions in
the Foothills for possible power shutoffs. More info at paloalto.gov/utilities
2) Outlook Email
a. (Use either Utilities Customer Service or Utilities Communications email address)
Subject Line: Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for the Palo Alto Foothills
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area due to dry and windy
conditions from Date and Time through Date and Time. The City of Palo Alto Utilities is monitoring
conditions to determine if a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) will be required to reduce the potential
for wildfire in the Foothills area of Palo Alto. We do not expect that the remainder of the City’s
businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff. Do not call 9-1-1 if your power is out
unless there is a threat to life safety. View the power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
3) Website
Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Red Flag Warning: Date
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area due to dry and
windy conditions that pose a risk of wildfires spreading quickly. The Red Flag Warning is in effect Date(s)
and time.
Status: Monitoring Conditions
Due to current weather conditions, the City is monitoring winds to determine if a Public Safety Power
Shutoff (PSPS) will be required to reduce wildfire potential. Electric lines most likely to be considered for
a PSPS event are those in the Palo Alto Foothills west of Highway 280. We do not expect that the
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 7
remainder of the City’s businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff.
Do not call 9-1-1 if your power is out unless there is a threat to life safety. View the power outage map
at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
This page will be updated as conditions evolve and new information becomes available.
Learn more about preparing for power outages at www.paloalto.gov/PSPS
Information for Palo Alto PG&E Customers
There are a few Palo Alto residents in the Palo Alto Foothill served by PG&E who may be impacted by a
shutoff from PG&E. If you are a Palo Alto resident served by PG&E, visit their website for information on
their Public Safety Power Shutoff plans.
Second Tier (CPAU expects a PSPS)
1) OMS SMS Text
Red Flag Warning in effect from Date and Time through Date and Time. CPAU is monitoring conditions in
the Foothills for possible power shutoffs. View power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
2) Outlook Email
a. (Use either Utilities Customer Service or Utilities Communications email address)
Subject Line: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) May Occur
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area due to dry and
windy conditions that pose a risk of wildfires spreading quickly. The Red Flag Warning is in effect from
Date and Time through Date and Time.
Due to current weather conditions, the City of Palo Alto Utilities is monitoring conditions to determine if
a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) will be required to reduce the potential for wildfire in the Foothills.
Our records show that you are in an area that may require a power shut off for safety precautions. We
will do our best to inform you as conditions evolve and new information becomes available.
View Palo Alto PSPS updates at www.paloalto.gov/utilities (insert link to specific news item if available).
View the power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
Read more about PSPS at www.paloalto.gov/psps
Additional Resources
Ensure we have your current mobile number to be notified of outages and updates through the City’s
Outage Management System. Log in to MyCPAU at www.paloalto.gov/mycpau or contact Utilities
Customer Service at (650) 329-2161 to update your contact information.
Do not call 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency. For non-emergency public
safety issues, call (650) 329-2413.
Information for PG&E Customers
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 8
In response to the current forecast, PG&E is also monitoring conditions for their electric utility
customers. There are a few Palo Alto residents in the Palo Alto area west of highway 280 served by
PG&E who may be impacted by a shutoff from PG&E. These customers should contact PG&E for
information on their Public Safety Power Shutoff plans. Visit https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/psps-
updates/
Outage Preparations
You may want to consider the following steps to be prepared for a power outage:
• Utilize an emergency supply kit with enough water, food, medicine, batteries and flashlights to
last several days.
• Consult with your medical professional regarding medical treatment, backup generators, or
other power supplies for medical or other needs.
• Have your vehicle gas tank filled or electric battery charged and cash on hand (as electronic
transaction devices and ATM machines may be without power).
3) ACD Recording on Customer Service Call Center Phone Line
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area due to dry and windy
conditions from Date and Time through Date and Time. The City of Palo Alto Utilities is monitoring wind
conditions to determine if a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) will be required to reduce the potential
for wildfire in the Foothills area of Palo Alto. We do not expect that the remainder of the City’s
businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff. Please do not call 9-1-1 if your power is
out unless there is also a threat to life safety. View the power outage map at
www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
4) Website
Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Red Flag Warning: Date
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area due to dry and
windy conditions that pose a risk of wildfires spreading quickly. The Red Flag Warning is in effect Date(s)
and time.
Status: Monitoring Conditions
Due to current weather conditions, the City is monitoring winds to determine if a Public Safety Power
Shutoff (PSPS) will be required to reduce wildfire potential. Electric lines most likely to be considered for
a PSPS event are those in the Palo Alto Foothills west of Highway 280. We do not expect that the
remainder of the City’s businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff.
Do not call 9-1-1 if your power is out unless there is a threat to life safety. View the power outage map
at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
This page will be updated as conditions evolve and new information becomes available.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 9
Learn more about preparing for power outages at www.paloalto.gov/PSPS
Information for Palo Alto PG&E Customers
There are a few Palo Alto residents in the Palo Alto Foothill served by PG&E who may be impacted by a
shutoff from PG&E. If you are a Palo Alto resident served by PG&E, visit their website for information on
their Public Safety Power Shutoff plans.
Messaging – Third Tier (PSPS initiated)
1) OMS Text (SMS)
Public Safety Power Shutoff necessary. View power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
2) OMS Voice Recording for incoming calls to UCC
Public Safety Power Shutoff for customers in the Foothills. Due to anticipated fire weather conditions,
the City of Palo Alto Utilities shut off power to reduce the potential for a wildfire. We do not expect that
the remainder of the City’s businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff. View the
power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
3) ACD Recording on Customer Service Call Center Phone Line
Due to Red Flag Warning conditions from the National Weather Service, the City of Palo Alto Utilities
shut off electricity to customers in the Foothills to prevent the risk for a potential wildfire. We do not
expect that the remainder of the City’s businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff.
Do not call 9-1-1 if your power is out unless there is a threat to life safety. View the power outage map
at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
4) Outlook Email
a. (Use either Utilities Customer Service or Utilities Communications email address)
Subject Line: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for Palo Alto Utilities Customers in the Foothills
Due to anticipated fire weather conditions, the City of Palo Alto Utilities shut off power in the Foothills
to reduce the potential for wildfire. Our records show that you are in this area and may be impacted by
a power shutoff for safety precautions. We do not expect that the remainder of the City’s businesses
and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff.
The City will continue to monitor conditions and do our best to keep you informed as conditions evolve
and new information becomes available.
View Palo Alto PSPS updates at www.paloalto.gov/utilities (insert link to specific news item if available).
View the power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
Read more about PSPS at www.paloalto.gov/psps
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 10
The State’s Office of Health & Human Services has set up a non-emergency hotline at 1 (833) 284-3473
to help those who are medically vulnerable.
Dial 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening emergency. For non-emergency public safety issues, call
(650) 329-2413. For Public Safety Power Shutoff updates, call Utilities Customer Service at (650) 329-
2161.
The City of Palo Alto also uses AlertSCC to communicate during emergency events such as natural
disasters, crime bulletins, power outages, and more. You can sign up to receive Alert SCC notifications at
https://emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/AlertSCC and follow our Emergency Preparedness page at
www.paloalto.gov/preparedness
5) Website
Due to a Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service, electricity has been shut off for
customers in high fire threat areas in the Foothills to avoid potential risk of wildfire. We do not expect
that the remainder of the City’s businesses and residences will be impacted by a power shutoff.
View Palo Alto PSPS updates at www.paloalto.gov/utilities (insert link to specific news item if available).
View the power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
Read more about PSPS at www.paloalto.gov/psps
At this time, we do not know when power will be restored. Restoration will begin as soon as possible
after conditions clear. Prior to energizing power again, Utilities must patrol the lines during daylight
hours for safety precautions. This may take multiple hours or days depending upon the conditions.
The State’s Office of Health & Human Services has set up a non-emergency hotline at 1 (833) 284-3473
to help those who are medically vulnerable.
Dial 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening emergency. For non-emergency public safety issues, call
(650) 329-2413. For Public Safety Power Shutoff updates, call Utilities Customer Service at (650) 329-
2161.
6) Social media (Upload image if possible and tag @cityofpaloalto and @paloaltopolice in social
media posts)
Power has been shut off for customers in the Foothills to prevent risk of wildfire. CPAU must patrol lines
during daylight hours for safety before reenergizing. This could take hours to days, depending upon the
conditions. View the power outage map at www.paloalto.gov/outagemap
or call 650-496-6914 for other electrical emergencies.
Messaging - Restoration
1) ACD Message, Email, and Website
The City of Palo Alto Utilities has restored power to customers in the Foothills following a Public Safety
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 11
Power Shutoff to prevent the risk of wildfire. If your power was shut off during this period and you still
do not have power, please contact us at (650) 496-6914 to report a continuing outage.
2) Social Media (only if deemed necessary by the Utilities Director and Utilities Communications
Manager)
POWER OUTAGE UPDATE: CPAU restored power to the Foothills as the Red Flag Warning has been
lifted. Call 650-496-6914 to report a continuing outage and/or power issue. Thank you for your patience
as we work to ensure the safety of all in our community. www.paloalto.gov/utilities
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 1
Appendix D: Plan Revision Log of Key Changes
Plan Revision Log of Key Changes
Date Plan Section/Location Description
9/2/26 Section IV Monitoring the Plan
C. Applying previous Plan metrics to this
Plan, ii Fire ignitions
Section D. Community Wildfire Protection
Plan/Foothills Fire Management Plan
Appendix A – Wildfire Mitigation Activities
•Updated Section D with new document title and updated footnote and link.
•Updated Appendix A – Wildfire Mitigation Activities to correct trees trimmed in
2024 within the Tier 2 zone and provided accomplishments for 2025, goals for
2026, and 2026-2027 future initiatives.
•Updated ii Fire ignitions verbiage to be more generic, still use the previous
metrics.
•General editorial improvements for clarity and consistency.
6/4/25 Section III Roles and Responsibilities -
Sections
A.City of Palo Alto Utilities Department
C.Deenergization-related communication
(including revised Appendix C)
Section IV Monitoring the Plan
C. Applying previous Plan metrics to this
Plan
Appendix A – Wildfire Mitigation Activities
Added Appendix D – Plan Revision Log of
Annual Update, Plan will be dated June 4, 2025 upon UAC adoption.
•Updated organizational chart to reflect current structure.
•Updated outage metric since 2020 from ten (10) to twelve (12).
•Revised Appendix A using a hybrid format based on the recommended WSAB
template to summarize mitigation activities such as project progress.
•Added Appendix D: Plan Revision Log of Key Changes to formally track Plan
changes, included high level of past updates/changes.
•Updated sections related to deenergization to align with the latest PSPS
communication protocols.
•General editorial improvements for clarity and consistency and including listing
out Appendices and Table of Figures.
(HFTD) Map
Appendix A – Wildfire Mitigation Activities
•Updated Appendix A, minor changes were made to reflect current status of
wildfire mitigation activities and project status.
•Initiated a review and update of the Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Response and
Communications Procedure for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to enhance
community readiness. This included incorporating Outage Management System
(OMS) features to support outbound communications during potential PSPS
11 Staff Report ID 2404-2905 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=15094
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 2
•
•
•Comprehensive revision of the Plan was completed to determine its efficacy,
legal compliance, and provide suggestions for improvement. The
comprehensive review was completed by an Independent Evaluator (IE) Dudek.
•
Date Plan Section/Location Description
Context Table
Cross Reference Table
Appendix G - Utilities Wildfire Mitigation
Response and Communications Procedure
for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Appendix E- Status of Proposed Activities
•Submitted redlined Plan document as part of the WSAB’s request and;
o Updated Plan placement on the Utilities website for easier navigation.
o Included the WSAB’s Context Table.
o Included Dates of past years’ public presentations.
o Added more context to community outreach efforts during a fire
o Added Appendix G Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Response and
Communications Procedure for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
o Updates made to the status of reported projects, including: the
installation of a weather station, progress on undergrounding lines,
assessments for emergency back-up generators, etc. (Appendix E).
o
to Reduce Risk of Wildfire or Improve •The primary revision focused on updating the status of proposed wildfire
15
12 Staff Report ID 2301-0900 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=11331
13 Staff Report ID 14175 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-
agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2022/06-08-2022/06-08-2022-id-14175-item-3-wildfire.pdf
14 Staff Report ID 12190 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/utilities/id-12190-item-2.pdf
15 Staff Report ID 10670 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2020/id-
10670-mini-packet-01212020.pdf?t=53268.17%20
City of Palo Alto Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan
2026 Update Page | 3
UTILITY WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN
2026 Update
Terry Crowley
Utilities Chief Operating Officer
September 2, 2026 Paloalto.gov
1
Background
•Per Public Utility Code (PUC) 8387, City staff have prepared
the 2026 Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP)
•The WMP focuses on lessening the risk of utility caused
wildfires
•PUC 8387 requires entities allow for public comment during
a regularly scheduled UAC meeting
•Under the Wildfire Safety Advisory Board’s updated
timeline, Palo Alto’s 2026 WMP must be submitted before
October 2, 2026
•Palo Alto’s next filing will be due October 6, 2028
2
CPUC High Fire Threat District
•Palo Alto’s higher fire risk areas are within
the foothills, generally the area west of
HWY 280.
•Area generally aligns with the Wildland
Urban Interface (WUI)
•Lands are wooded grasslands prone to
wildfire
•Areas of higher elevation experience
higher winds during times of low humidity
and dry vegetation
3
Key Elements of Palo Alto’s WMP
•Undergrounding of high voltage overhead lines
•Vegetation management to maintain necessary clearance
for electrical equipment
•Inspections to frequent monitor facilities within the fire
area
•Plan to de-energize or turn off power to portions or the
entire electric system if needed
•Customer education and notifications regarding the risk of
wildfire and potential need for public safety power shutoffs
4
2025/26 Accomplishments / Future Work
Accomplishments
•Completed undergrounding of high-voltage lines within the
Foothills area. Total of over 9-miles of conduit and cable installed.
•Started work on converting overhead low-voltage services to
underground.
Future Work
•Finish undergrounding low-voltage services within the high fire
threat area
•Finalize an inspection and vegetation management program for
the underground facilities
•Update policies and procedures for public safety power shutoffs
•Identify any additional wildfire mitigation work adjacent to the
CPUC high fire threat area.
Staff Request
6
UAC review 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (Plan), receive
public comments, and recommend staff submit the Plan to
the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board (WSAB)