CSAC, in collaboration with RCRC, has been meeting with PG&E
on a regular basis to receive updates on their strategies to
mitigate service disruptions to customers. These meetings bring
together key PG&E staff to hear what counties are
experiencing locally, and discuss plans to address issues.
In May, PG&E provided a presentation of their over 2023
Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP). This 809-page report was
required by legislation and outlines PG&E’s plans and
initiatives including:
Undergrounding of transmission lines
Vegetation management
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)
System hardening
Downed conductor detection
Partial voltage detection capabilities
Inspection and repair efforts
Situational awareness improvements
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
The goals PG&E aims to achieve in the next couple of
years are:
Construct, maintain, and operate electrical lines and
equipment in a manner that will minimize the risk of catastrophic
wildfire;
Thoroughly assess wildfire risk, develop a comprehensive
strategy to reduce ignitions, and ensure the reliability of the
electric systems;
Implement mitigations designed to minimize the likelihood of
catastrophic wildfires; and
Implement programs to limit customer disruption from wildfire
mitigation efforts.
PG&E has identified areas of high fire threats and risks and
estimates that approximately 1.4 million people across the state
live in these areas. PG&E plans to engage customers further
through surveys and by hosting regional meetings to discuss their
upcoming initiatives to meet the goals outlined in their WMP
plan.
