A power outage left hundreds of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers without electricity on Monday.

The unplanned outage began at approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday for residents and businesses in Buellton and Solvang. 

PG&E estimated restoration would occur by 11:45 p.m. 

The firm reportedly activated the Enhanced Powerline Safety Setting (EPSS) protocols on circuits in fire threat areas, a method representatives say has reduced ignitions caused by PG&E equipment by over 80%.  

“It works by instantaneously shutting power off when the system detects a danger,” PG&E said, adding that dangers can be a number of situations. 

“When activated, the EPSS technology de-energizes the lines immediately to protect the community from potential wildfire starts.”

EPSS technology is different from the firm’s larger Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which involve shutting off electricity during hot and windy days. 

While customers and the County Office of Emergency Services (OES) are notified before a PSPS takes place,  an EPSS is an unplanned outage and no advanced notification is possible, according to PG&E.