Thousands of residents across the Inland Empire say they’re frustrated as they continue living without electricity due to wildfire threats.
On Tuesday, around 34,000 households are still waiting for power to be restored, with many residents saying they are struggling to live and work.
“It’s never been this bad in the five years that I’ve been here,” said Edward Vuljak, a Jurupa Valley resident.
According to Southern California Edison, power shutoffs typically occur “during dangerous weather conditions to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. These safety shutoffs are a measure of last resort for keeping you and your community safe.”
Frustrated locals said they haven’t been notified of when power will be restored. Vuljak decided to fix the issue by hiring an electrician.
“With an electrical box, he was adding a plug for us to go ahead and plug our generator which will run our house so we don’t have to lose our groceries and things like that,” he told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson.
-
Generators that Edward Vuljak, a Jurupa Valley resident, is using to power his home after spending nearly two weeks without electricity. (KTLA) -
SoCal Edison said its Public Safety Power Shutoff occurs “during dangerous weather conditions to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. These safety shutoffs are a measure of last resort for keeping you and your community safe.” -
SoCal Edison said its Public Safety Power Shutoff occurs “during dangerous weather conditions to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. These safety shutoffs are a measure of last resort for keeping you and your community safe.” -
Thousands of residents across the Inland Empire have been living without electricity in the wake of the deadly wildfires across Southern California and continuing high wind warnings. (KTLA) -
Thousands of residents across the Inland Empire have been living without electricity in the wake of the deadly wildfires across Southern California and continuing high wind warnings. (KTLA)
Vuljak, who has gone without power for 11 days, said around $400-$500 worth of food had spoiled without refrigeration in his home.
His neighbor, Tambra Lozano, runs a dog grooming business from her house. Without electricity, she’s struggling to make an income.
“I’m a dog groomer and I work from home, I work out of my trailer,” Lozano explained. “My trailer is powered by the electricity at my house so when we don’t have power, I can’t work unless I’m running a generator.”
Although most residents said they understand the need for safety precautions, many are frustrated over the lack of a definitive timeline as they live each day not knowing when power will be restored.
“Give us a lot more notice and be more precise so that we know how to deal with it and when it’s going to turn off,” Lozano suggested. “It would be so much easier.”
A SoCal Edison spokesperson explained that even if a neighborhood doesn’t appear to be under dangerous conditions, a power shutoff could still occur if the circuit is located in another area where wind conditions are different.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Thursday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” NWS said. “If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread.”
Residents can check if their neighborhood is under a Public Safety Power Shutoff by visiting SoCal Edison’s website.
