Mutual assistance crews from 21 states help restore power in Northern California

Electric utility crews from 21 states were deployed to Northern California this week to help Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) restore power following a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to extreme wind conditions.

PG&E confirmed in its 10 p.m. PDT update on Oct. 30 that it had restored power to approximately 312,000 customers, or 95 percent, since the Oct. 29 PSPS “All Clear” was given Wednesday morning. PG&E said safety patrols and equipment repairs were continuing Thursday for the miles of distribution and transmission lines that were impacted by the high winds.

More than 6,300 PG&E personnel and contractors and more than 40 helicopters are deployed and supporting the restoration process, the company said. PG&E has also secured mutual assistance of approximately 830 electric workers from other utilities from across the nation to help with inspections and repairs.

For the Oct. 26 PSPS event, PG&E said there were at least 83 instances of weather damage or hazards involving PG&E assets, adding that it was still assessing damage from the Oct. 29 event and expects the overall number to increase. Damage from tree branches falling onto power lines or downed power lines could lead to potential wildfire ignitions if power lines are not de-energized, the company said.

“Before power can be restored, crews must visually inspect every line, pole, and tower to ensure that there is no damage to the system,” noted the Edison Electric Institute in a tweet on Oct. 30.

San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) also said on Thursday that before noon (PDT) the company had restored power to more than half of the approximately 25,000 impacted customers.

“We’ve been up since dusk getting our trucks, tools & safety gear ready to restore power to our customers,” SDG&E tweeted Thursday. “Our men & women in the field are committed to getting power back on as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Patrols began Wednesday, SDG&E said, and are being done by foot and vehicle, with the support of three helicopters.

AEP Ohio, Indiana Michigan Power and PNM Resources were among the electric companies that offered support to California customers without power.

“Twenty-eight lineworkers are heading to California this morning to assist with power restoration amidst the destructive wildfires raging throughout the state. Our men and women never hesitate to step up in times of need,” AEP Ohio tweeted on Oct. 29.