Publication Date
Summer 2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Environmental Studies
Advisor
Kathrine Cushing; Amanda Stasiewicz; John Marlovits
Abstract
As aging electrical infrastructure in the US continues to succumb to unyielding weather patterns brought on by climate change, there is an urgency among Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) to reduce the likelihood of their equipment sparking a wildfire. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) – the intentional de-energization of the electrical grid on high fire weather danger days – have become a staple in IOU Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) since 2018 as one way to avoid wildfire ignitions via electrical infrastructure. One criticism of PSPS events is that they create their own hazard by cutting off power to thousands – sometimes millions-of customers statewide. Interest in PSPS best practices and lessons learned have increased as other fire prone states and nations begin to consider implementing PSPS and how to best mitigate potential burdens placed on populations experiencing de-energization. To date, few studies have focused on the effects PSPS events have on vulnerable populations residing in unincorporated communities that may already struggle to access information and/or preparedness resources. This research utilized a pre-focus group survey, and mixed method focus group to understand the unique needs, wants, and solutions implemented by two unincorporated mountain communities within high PSPS vulnerability zones in Southern California.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Ramiro M., "Exploring Community Adaptation to Public Safety Power Shutoff Events: Findings from Two Case Studies of Unincorporated Mountain Communities in Southern California" (2024). Master's Theses. 5563.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.caat-u9jr
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/5563
