INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Lights are gradually coming back on after thousands of Inland Empire homes were darkened by an outgrowth of the windstorm.

Southern California Edison (SCE) pulled the switch on electrical circuits as a preemptive step to prevent new fires that might result from arcing and fallen power lines. More than 300-thousand homes and businesses had been without power since Wednesday.

The windstorm that struck Tuesday prompted the first widespread test of the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

SCE says it worked to inspect and repair damaged equipment before reenergizing its circuits. Its crews were hampered by the inability to access some active wildfire areas and the forecast for more winds. “Unsafe air quality and high winds continue to ground drones and aircraft that aid in our damage assessment,” according to an SCE statement.

At one point, 430,000 SCE customers were affected, including many in an area of Riverside County from Hemet and Moreno Valley to Perris. Some told INT they couldn't power up their cellphones or operate their appliances. Pumps to supply their well water went silent.

On related notes, the California Air Resources Board announced that it is easing the requirements for portable electric generators to help meet the surge in demand from the Southern California wildfires.

President Biden has weighed in saying the intentional power outages administered in the Los Angeles area to prevent more fires from starting were partially to blame for water shortages as officials battle historic wildfires near the city’s limits.

Story Date: January 20, 2025