PG&E Advances Underground Powerline Initiative, Enhances Safety

PG&E Achieves Major Undertaking in Underground Powerlines

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has reached a noteworthy milestone by successfully undergrounding over 800 miles of powerlines, enhancing reliability and safety for customers in high wildfire-risk areas. This significant step in PG&E's wildfire safety strategy began in 2021, aligning with the company’s commitment to mitigate wildfire risks.

Significant Completion of Undergrounding Efforts

In 2023 alone, PG&E accomplished more than 360 miles of undergrounding, marking the highest annual total in the company's history. These buried lines are now operational, benefiting customers across 27 counties and reducing the wildfire risk by an extraordinary 98% in those zones. This project is an integral part of PG&E's broader commitment to enhancing service reliability and safety.

CEO’s Perspective on Undergrounding Initiative

“Undergrounding powerlines is crucial for our strategy to decrease wildfire risk and ensure reliable service for our customers,” said Matt Pender, PG&E's Vice President of Undergrounding and System Hardening. He emphasized that reaching this milestone underscores PG&E's dedication to the communities they serve, focusing on delivering safe and reliable electricity.

Future Plans for Expansion and Reliability Improvements

As of this week, PG&E has made considerable progress, completing over 187 miles toward the goal of 250 miles of undergrounding for 2024. Areas such as Spring Valley and Vacaville are newly serviced by underground powerlines, enhancing the safety and reliability of electricity in vulnerable regions.

Long-Term Undergrounding Goals

PG&E plans to increase its undergrounding efforts significantly. The company aims to finish an additional 330 miles in 2025 and 440 miles in 2026, focusing on the most wildfire-prone areas. By the end of 2026, the total undergrounding length will exceed 1,600 miles across 30 counties.

Innovative Methods for Risk Assessment

PG&E is utilizing advanced machine-learning risk models to prioritize the highest-risk lines for undergrounding. This incorporates fire-propagation technologies developed with expertise from Technosylva, enhancing the company’s ability to mitigate risks effectively. PG&E's 10-Year Electrical Undergrounding Plan, due in 2025, will outline further strategies and focus on long-term objectives.

Enhancing Overall Fire Safety Measures

To bolster wildfire protection, PG&E employs a multi-layered approach that includes:

• Reinforcing the electricity system with strong poles and fire-resistant powerlines in high-risk areas.
• Implementing Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) that function to minimize fire ignitions, significantly improving safety for communities.
• Managing vegetation around powerlines to prevent outages and reduce wildfire risks.
• Utilizing a network of over 1,500 weather stations for enhanced monitoring and response capabilities.
• Employing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and drones to automate fire detection and improve emergency responses.

In 2023, PG&E reported a significant reduction in incidents linked to its equipment, heralding the effectiveness of its ongoing safety initiatives.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, part of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), serves over 16 million residents within a vast service area of 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. The company is dedicated to ensuring safety and reliability as it implements innovative solutions for enhanced electrical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PG&E's undergrounding initiative?

PG&E's undergrounding initiative aims to bury powerlines in high wildfire-risk areas to enhance safety and reliability, having successfully completed over 800 miles of underground lines.

How does undergrounding reduce wildfire risk?

By burying powerlines, PG&E greatly decreases the chances of electrical equipment causing wildfires, thus protecting communities and the environment.

What future plans does PG&E have for undergrounding?

PG&E plans to complete an additional 330 miles of undergrounding in 2025 and 440 miles in 2026, aiming for over 1,600 total miles by the end of 2026.

How does PG&E assess which lines to bury?

PG&E uses machine-learning risk modeling to prioritize high-risk circuits, incorporating advanced fire propagation technology for effective decision-making.

What other safety measures does PG&E implement?

In addition to undergrounding, PG&E strengthens its electrical system, implements powerline safety settings, manages vegetation, and uses weather stations and advanced technologies for wildfire detection.

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