Amid heatwave, more power outages possible, cooling centers open in Contra Costa

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY—As temperatures continue to soar across the State of California, demand for energy to cool our many residents is outstripping supply. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is responsible for maintaining our State power grid and has the ability to direct power shutoffs and rolling blackouts throughout the state to ensure that our energy grid does not overload and cause damage to critical infrastructure.

CAISO will likely direct PG&E to shut down parts of the power grid today (8/18) during the evening hours when energy demand peaks. PG&E has released the below list of locations, number of customers, and estimated outage start and end times.

Updated Cooling Center Information

The County’s Employment and Human Services Department has three offices available to the public as “places to cool.” Please note that during the COVID-19 shelter in place, EHSD’s regular programs and services are NOT currently available at these offices.

Open Tuesday, August 18, 2020, from 1pm-5pm:

Antioch
EHSD District Office
4545 Delta Fair Blvd.

Pleasant Hill
EHSD District Office
400 Ellinwood Way

Richmond
EHSD District Office
1305 Macdonald

Additional cooling locations

Pleasant Hill Community Center
320 Civic Drive, PH
Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 18-19, 1:00-7:00 pm

Dublin Senior Center
7600 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin
Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 18-19, Noon-8:00 pm
(925) 556-4511

Call below locations prior to visiting to confirm if open and hours of operation:

Concord Senior Center
2727 Parkside Circle, Concord
(925) 671-3320

Martinez Senior Center
818 Green Street, Martinez
(925) 370-8770

Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Mitchoff at supervisormitchoff@bos.cccounty.us