PG&E Applies Enhanced Outage Prediction Models to Ready Crews and Resources Ahead of this Week's Storm

PG&E has operationalized 1600 weather stations across its service area, 1400 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.

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 during the morning hours of Wednesday, March 12. 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. In addition to heavy rain, snow is expected in the mountain regions. The storm will continue to deliver precipitation through Thursday and will be accompanied by colder air behind the front, which could bring Thunderstorms along the coastal regions, interior valleys and Central Valley.

The data provided through AI and machine learning help inform the pre-positioning of PG&E crews, troublemen, distribution line technicians, poles, powerlines, transformers and other equipment ahead of weather events that can cause damage to electric infrastructure. The strategic placement of resources helps support the safe and timely response, repair, and restoration of power for customers impacted by the storm.

For this storm, data currently shows that the portions of PG&E's service area currently forecast to experience the strongest impact from the storm include South Bay Area, Central Coast, Kern County, and North Coast regions are expected

"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 PG&E Chief Meteorologist Scott Strenfel.

Keeping Customers Informed 

If an outage does occur, PG&E customers can find real-time updates via the online outage center, including status updates the 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, customers are urged to prepare their families as well. 

• 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.

Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center.  

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company