California regulators lower heat threshold for utility shutoff protections to 90 degrees

In a 4-0 vote, the commission lowered the statewide temperature threshold from 100 to 90 degrees and directed utilities to adopt region-specific heat standards within six months. The commission found that utility proposals offered insufficient health protections for customers.

It noted that the previous 100-degree threshold already falls below extreme heat levels in 41 of California's 58 counties.

Regional heat standards The commission stated that a single temperature threshold does not account for regional differences in how heat affects residents. In San Francisco, extreme heat is defined above 85 degrees, while in Del Norte County it begins above 76.8 degrees.

The commission wrote that a single temperature threshold is needed to protect residents in areas not accustomed to high temperatures.

Utility company response The three major private electric companies said they are prepared to comply with the new rules. PG&E spokesperson Adrienne Moore stated that disconnection is a last resort applied only after multiple contact attempts and payment plan offers.

Southern California Edison said the resolution will strengthen protections during extreme heat events. San Diego Gas & Electric expressed support for additional safety measures and said it will implement the final requirements. Jason Zeller, an attorney with the Utility Consumers' Action Network, said loss of electric service can trigger a cascade of problems for tenants, including eviction risk and potential loss of child custody.