Power shutoffs affect Rolling Hills homes this week

Power shutoffs have been implemented on the Palos Verdes Peninsula due to ongoing land movement, affecting residents in Rolling Hills. Starting Monday, 35 homes will lose gas service, followed by 51 homes expected to lose electricity by Wednesday evening. The shutoffs are a response to safety concerns stemming from significant land shifts, which have prompted evacuation warnings and previous power outages in nearby areas. Local officials are urging utility companies to find engineering solutions to restore services safely and quickly. The situation has escalated following severe storms in 2023 and 2024, which have caused land to shift as much as a foot per week. This instability has led to the disconnection of power and gas services in various neighborhoods, including the Portuguese Bend area. The decision to cut off utilities is aimed at preventing potential wildfires and ensuring the safety of both residents and utility teams. Rolling Hills Mayor Leah Mirsch emphasized the city's commitment to the well-being of its residents, stating that the city is holding utility companies accountable for restoring services. The city has encouraged residents to reach out to Southern California Gas Co. and Southern California Edison for more information regarding the outages. As the situation develops, local officials remain concerned about the implications of power loss on essential services, such as sewer systems and groundwater pumps, which rely on electricity to function. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for effective management of utility services in the face of natural hazards.