Bear Valley Electric puts west Big Bear grid on watch for possible power shutoff Friday night

Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES) has placed part of its grid in scope for a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff because of high winds and potential wildfire conditions, with the period of concern running from 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7^[1]. No shutoff had been confirmed when the utility posted its notice Friday afternoon^[1]. If power is cut, it would mainly hit customers on the west side of town, including the South Shore and Fawnskin, while the hospital, sheriff's station and major grocery stores would stay on^[1].

Which areas could lose power

The utility lists two zones in scope. On the South Shore, the area runs from Lakeview Drive, near the Alpine Slide, to Big Bear Dam. On the North Shore, it runs from the Fawnskin Post Office to Big Bear Dam^[1].

BVES says the outage "will NOT impact businesses located in the Village area." The utility also says its critical infrastructure, "including our local hospital, sheriff's station and major grocery stores, will NOT be impacted"^[1].

What BVES is doing to avoid a shutoff

According to the notice, BVES crews are "working to proactively prevent a shutoff should winds reach anticipated levels by adjusting thresholds to keep our circuits running safely"^[1]. In other words, the utility is trying to keep power on if conditions allow, and the shutoff remains a possibility rather than a decision.

The notice acknowledges the disruption, saying "we know that outages are inconvenient," and says the team is working to limit the number of customers affected if a shutoff becomes necessary^[1].

Where to charge devices

If BVES does cut power, it will open its Community Resource Center at 42020 Garstin Drive so that residents and visitors can charge devices. The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. while the outage is in effect^[1].

The notice does not say how many customers are in the affected zones or how long an outage would last if one is ordered. It also does not include a wind forecast or a fire-weather warning from an outside agency; the wind and fire-risk rationale comes from BVES alone^[1].

Residents in the affected areas can watch for further word from BVES, which says it will keep customers updated should a shutoff become necessary^[1].