Storm Related-Outages: PG&E Uses AI To Help Prepare

NORTH COAST, CA — With a storm set to deliver strong wind gusts and heavy rain to much of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s service area this week, the company has crews and resources ready to respond to storm-related outages.

PG&E’s current forecast models show a weather system delivering heavy rain and mountain snow will enter the northern part of PG&E’s service area Wednesday during the morning hours. In the afternoon, the storm will extend into the central and southern portions of PG&E’s service area and deliver strong southerly wind gusts reaching over 40-45 miles per hour in the higher terrains.

PG&E expects the storm to continue to deliver precipitation through Thursday along with colder air behind the front, which could bring thunderstorms along the coastal regions, interior valleys and Central Valley.

PG&E Meteorology Storm Forecast and Preparations

PG&E has operationalized 1,600 weather stations across its service area, 1,400 of which are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) or advanced machine learning capabilities. PG&E’s in-house meteorologists combine this technology with traditional forecasting tools to develop enhanced outage prediction models, according to Megan McFarland, PG&E spokesperson for the North Coast.

"The data provided through AI and machine learning helps inform the pre-positioning of PG&E crews, troubleworkers, distribution line technicians, poles, powerlines, transformers and other
equipment ahead of weather events that can cause damage to electric infrastructure," McFarland said.

"The strategic placement of resources helps support the safe and timely response, repair, and restoration of power for customers impacted by the storm," she said.

Late Tuesday, PG&E's data showed that the South Bay, Central Coast, Kern County and North Coast would experience the strongest storm impact.

“We are increasing the accuracy of our forecasting with new technologies and that transfers to more cost-effective and strategic allocation of resources along with enhanced safety and reliability for our customers,” said Scott Strenfel, PG&E's chief meteorologist.

Keeping Customers Informed

In the event of an outage, PG&E said customers can find real-time updates through its online outage center, including status updates on assessments, repair and estimated time of restoration.

Renters and others without a PG&E account may also use this portal to sign up for outage notifications by text, email, or phone.

Storm Safety Tips

As PG&E follows its plan to prepare for the storm, it urged customers to prepare their families by following these safety tips.

• Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. 
• Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on powerlines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area. 
• Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights and not candles, due to the risk of fire. And keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals and small children. Do not leave candles unattended. 
• Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. Having a portable charging device helps to keep your cell phone running. 
• Have fresh drinking water and ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer to prevent food spoilage. 
• Secure your outside furniture: Strong winds can blow lawn chairs and other outdoor items into powerlines. 
• Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. 
• Safely clean up: After the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 8-1-1 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked. 

Find more tips at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center.