County partners with utility to bolster resources during PSPS events
San Bernardino County has formalized a partnership with Southern California Edison that will activate select branches of the San Bernardino County Library as community resource centers during designated Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. County and library officials say the arrangement is intended to give residents familiar, nearby places to go for information, communications and other needs when outages are ordered to reduce wildfire risk.
The county’s announcement frames the program as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety. Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe described the initiative as an expansion of the county’s emergency services network, emphasizing coordination among local government, the library system and the utility.
"Ensuring our residents have access to reliable information and community resources during emergencies is an important part of strengthening public safety across San Bernardino County,"
County librarian Melanie Orosco noted the value of opening a familiar, trusted public space in high-stress situations. "During an emergency, having a safe and trusted place in the community can make a tremendous difference," she said, according to county materials.
What residents can expect from activated library sites
Under the agreement, certain library branches will be designated to open as resource centers when Southern California Edison implements PSPS outages. The county says these locations will provide residents with access to information about the outage, a place to charge devices, and other community resources that are coordinated with local emergency management partners.
- Information and updates: Residents can obtain official notices and guidance related to the outage and safety conditions.
- Charging and connectivity: Libraries will offer places to charge phones and access the internet for communication and critical services.
- Trusted community presence: The familiarity of local branches aims to reduce confusion and help residents find support close to home.
Officials stress that the program does not replace large-scale emergency shelters but is intended to be a neighborhood-level resource for residents who need a reliable place to stay connected during shorter-duration outages. The county’s statement highlights cooperation between the library system, Southern California Edison and emergency management partners to coordinate the response.
Context: why utilities conduct PSPS and how residents are affected
Utilities such as Southern California Edison may implement PSPS outages when fire danger is especially high. The tactic is used to reduce the risk of utility infrastructure sparking wildfires in conditions of high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation. When power is shut off, households that depend on electricity for communication, medical equipment, refrigeration or other critical needs can face urgent challenges.
The county’s announcement also touched on energy affordability and alternatives, noting outreach about solar options in Southern California. A company named Palmetto was referenced in county materials offering a program that claims savings for customers with no down payment; the county framed these as additional resources for households considering ways to reduce reliance on the grid during risky weather periods.
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| San Bernardino County Library | Open select branches as community resource centers during PSPS events |
| Southern California Edison | Implements PSPS outages and coordinates activation of library sites |
| County emergency management | Coordinates resources and public safety messaging |
County leaders say the partnership aims to build more resilient neighborhoods by offering residents reliable, familiar locations to turn to when power is cut for public-safety reasons. Officials urged residents to stay informed about potential PSPS conditions and to follow guidance from the county and utility on preparing for outages.
For San Bernardino residents, the program adds a local option beyond formal shelters and emergency facilities, leveraging branches that are embedded within communities. Library hours, exact branch participation and specific services offered during an activated event were not enumerated in the county release; residents are encouraged to check the library system’s and county’s official communications for details when PSPS conditions are forecast.
