PSPS watch extended: Big Bear power shutoff window now runs through early Monday

The potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) affecting Big Bear Valley has grown significantly since we first reported it. Southern California Edison has extended the window of concern by nearly 24 hours — it now runs from 6 p.m. Saturday, September 26 through 3 a.m. Monday, September 28, and SCE has warned that strong winds could push the event further into next week^[1].

The extension is driven by forecasted high winds and elevated wildfire conditions^[1]. No outage has been confirmed, but if SCE de-energizes its transmission lines, Bear Valley Electric Service would have limited capacity and some or all BVES customers across Big Bear Valley could lose power^[1].

Residents should plan for the possibility of an extended outage stretching into Monday or beyond. Importantly, if power goes out during nighttime hours, it will likely stay off until morning — SCE's protocols require crews to scout and inspect affected lines in daylight before restoration begins, and that restoration process can take up to eight additional hours on top of inspection time^[1].

For updates, call BVES at (800) 808-2837 or visit bvesinc.com^[1].