Update: SCE removing some areas of Santa Barbara from possible power outage consideration

Southern California Edison representative David Song, spoke to KEYT to clear some confusion regarding the Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Earlier today we reported about some South County residents receiving a text stating “Santa Barbara area has been removed from Public Safety Power Shutoff consideration.”

While this text is true, it does not mean ALL of Santa Barbara has been removed from consideration.

There are some areas that could still have their power shut off, SCE wants to make it clear that only SOME residents are receiving these text below.

UPDATE at 12:55 p.m.

Southern California Edison sent a text to South County residents at 12:12 p.m. stating: “Due to current conditions, the Santa Barbara area has been removed from Public Safety Power Shutoff consideration.” The text has some other garbled language, and does not specify any specific areas of the south coast that may or may not remain under possible power outages. An SCE spokesman confirmed to NewsChannel 3 the text came from a legitimate Edison number, and is checking for more details. As of Saturday morning, the number of southern Santa Barbara County residents estimated to be under possible power outage threat was reduced to 2,400.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Southern California Edison says more than 24,000 customers in southern Santa Barbara County could lose power as fire danger increases across the South Coast.

The utility said late Friday afternoon that 24,148 customers could lose power as part of a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

The impacted areas include Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, and unincorporated areas including Orchams, El Encano Heights, Oak Park, Samarkand, North State, Cold Springs Canyon, Gaviota, Jalama Beach, Mission Canyon, Highway 154, El Capitan Park, Montecito, Summerland, Mibek Road, Sterrett Avenue, and Foothill Avenue.

More than 4,200 customers in Ventura County were also warned of potential power outages.

SoCal Edison did not specify a time for when shutoffs could begin, but the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management says it may happen anytime between Friday and Sunday.

The city of Goleta tweeted that power shutoffs could begin Sunday evening.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management released an interactive map so people can view the areas where outages are under consideration.

KEYT 2019