Calabasas, Malibu Residents Endure Power Shutoffs
Three days of utility power cuts in October left residents without phone, internet, and emergency alert access during wildfire season.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Utilities
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Residents of Calabasas and Malibu, California, lost electricity and communication service during three days of public safety power shutoffs in October 2026. The utility cut power to limit the risk of its equipment sparking fires during strong Santa Ana winds.
Why it matters
Residents reported being unable to call 911 or receive emergency notifications during the outages, raising concerns about public safety in fire-prone areas. A Calabasas city council member called the frequent shutoffs unsustainable.
The utility's public safety power shutoff threshold has dropped from 40 mph gusts to 20 mph gusts, with an intermediate 30 mph threshold, meaning outages occur at lower wind speeds than before. The number of customers affected by the October shutoffs was not reported.
The players
SoCal Edison
SoCal Edison is a major Southern California electric utility that uses public safety power shutoffs during wildfire danger.
The details
Strong Santa Ana winds drove the Bryson Fire in Malibu in October, prompting the utility to cut electricity to keep its equipment from starting a fire. Residents reported no cellphone, phone, or internet service during the three days of shutoffs, and SoCal Edison said the intentional outages minimize risk in the fire-prone area.
Timeline
October 2026: Three days of utility shutoffs in Calabasas and Malibu.
November 1, 2026: Article published on residents' experiences with the shutoffs.
Utility Outlook
Public safety power shutoffs by California utilities have expanded as wildfire risk rises, and the lowering of the PSPS wind threshold has produced more frequent outages. Calabasas is responding by installing covered conductors and undergrounding powerlines in its service area.
Residents without power also lose access to 911 calls and emergency alerts during shutoffs, so households in affected areas face direct safety risks. Officials have floated neighborhood generators as one way to maintain service during future outages.
The takeaway
Households in wildfire-prone areas should prepare for multi-day outages by keeping backup power, charged devices, and a way to receive emergency alerts without relying on the grid.
Further reading
Explore more on California utilities and how wildfire-driven power shutoffs are reshaping service in the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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