LOS ANGELES, CA – More than 170,000 Edison customers in Southern California across five counties may have their power shut off this week as strong winds and dry conditions bring increased fire risk to the region.

SoCal Edison is implementing so-called public safety shutdowns in high fire risk areas to prevent sparks from its equipment from starting wildfires.

The utility is considering implementing shutdowns in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties this week. According to the utility, over 170,000 customers could be affected, totaling 3.4 percent of SoCal Edison's ratepayers.

The utility began considering shutdowns in certain areas at 3 a.m. Monday. Closures are possible until Thursday at 9 a.m.

Affected communities include those in the Santa Monica Mountains, such as Malibu and Calabasas; Trabuco Canyon, Jurupa Valley, the pass area and Hemet.

San Diego Gas and Electric is not considering any shutoffs as of Monday morning.

The potential shutdowns come as the National Weather Service predicted moderate Santa Ana winds for much of Southern California earlier this week. Locally, wind gusts may be even stronger: up to 80 mph in the mountains and 55 mph in the valleys.

Red Flag Warnings and Fire Warnings are in effect through Thursday for the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Monica Mountains, the Santa Ana Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Ana Mountains, portions of the Inland Empire and the San Bernardino Mountains.

For more information about public safety power shutoffs, visit the SoCal Edison website.