PG&E Deploys Innovative Technologies to Enable Layers of Protection to Mitigate Wildfires

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is deploying emerging technologies, including a remotely-operated controlled-burn system, next-generation drones, and wireless remote grids, building upon the proven layers of protection that are reducing wildfire risk from its equipment by 94% (based on established methodologies) in 2023 to help keep its customers and hometowns safe.

Several innovations and collaborations were on display today at two PG&E facilities – the San Ramon Valley Conference Center and PG&E's Applied Technology Services Center, the company's hub of research, development, and innovation. The selected technologies included:

With novel Ground-Level Distribution Systems (GLDS), powerlines are neither suspended from utility poles nor buried underground. Instead, lines are placed inside protected and resilient conduits that rest on the ground. PG&E is exploring moving overhead powerlines to ground level to eliminate ignition risk and enhance grid resilience. PG&E anticipates this innovative approach could provide comparable risk reduction to undergrounding.

To enhance local resilience and eliminate fire risk, PG&E recently deployed three new remote grid systems in Tehama and Mariposa counties with several more anticipated for deployment in 2023 and up to 30 to be deployed by 2026 in collaboration with Richmond, Calif.-based NewSunRoad. Locally sited solar, batteries and back-up generators provide the same or better level of electric service reliability while serving as a permanent alternative to poles and powerlines.