PG&E's Enhance Powerline Safety Settings

Helping to further reduce wildfire risk

PG&E is evolving its wildfire prevention efforts for the safety of our customers and communities. This includes Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS).

How it works

EPSS are advanced safety settings.
These settings allow our powerlines to automatically turn off power within one-tenth of a second.
This can occur when there is a hazard, like a tree branch falling into a line.

An infographic depicting how power is turned off if an object strikes a powerline or a fault occurs. The text reads: To help prevent wildfires during this hot and dry season, we have adjusted the settings on some of our equipment to automatically turn off power more quickly if the system detects a problem.; When an object strikes the line or a fault occurs, the equipment will detect the change in current and shut off power within one-tenth of a second.; We check the lines for damage before safely restoring power. This process can take several hours, depending on terrain.; Patrols are done by helicopter, truck or on foot during daylight hours.

Increased safety

We began implementing EPSS in July 2021. This year, we will be enabling settings when conditions indicate an increased potential for wildfires.
Last year, we saw an 80% reduction in ignitions* on EPSS-enabled circuits in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTDs), compared to the last three-year average.
*CPUC-reportable ignitions, as of December 31, 2021.
That is why we are expanding the program to all line miles in high fire-risk areas and nearby locations.

What to expect

These more sensitive settings will be enabled when elevated wildfire risk is present. This is most likely from May to November.
This will help keep you safe, but may also result in unexpected power outages.
We do not expect these settings to impact customer bills.

Outage causes

Outage causes resulting from enabled safety settings can vary, from equipment failure to an animal or vegetation striking the line.
Crews may be able to determine the cause of an outage while patrolling the circuit. However, outage causes may be ruled as undetermined.
Undetermined causes could be the result of hazards, such as a tree branch or animal that struck the line. Sometimes these hazards are no longer present during patrols.

Customer support

We understand how disruptive it is for customers to lose power. That is why we are working hard to support our customers and communities and reduce the impact of outages. This includes:

More portable batteries for our most vulnerable customers.
Expanding our Generator & Battery Rebate Program.
The new Backup Power Transfer Meter Program.
Improved notifications and updates about when power will be back on and outage causes. Update your contact information today to stay informed.
Providing safety tips and personalized emergency plans.

Additional safety measures

These adjustments are just one of the safety enhancements we have put in place. Other efforts include:

Beginning to underground 10,000 miles of powerlines. This will improve safety and reliability.
Exceeding state vegetation standards. This helps to prevent trees and branches from falling into powerlines.
Installing stronger poles and lines. This makes the electric grid safer and more resilient.
Reducing the impact of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) with grid updates and weather forecasting improvements. This allows us to surgically target shutoffs.

Watch our video on Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings

Our commitment to your safety

What can customers expect if they experience an outage?

These settings may result in power outages for our customers.
We will provide timely notifications for outages and updates about when the power will be back on. Update your contact information today to stay informed.
Since we cannot predict where hazards may occur, it is important to prepare for potential outages. We have resources available to help.
Outages that result from these enhanced safety settings are not Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). PSPS outages are a last resort used to keep you safe. Customers will be notified before a PSPS takes place.

A graphic of what customers can expect in the event of an Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings related outage. The text reads: Outage Occurs; PG&E Teams Assess Outage Area; Customer notifications through automated calls; Patrols (and repairs if needed); Power is Restored; Ongoing website updates with outage information and estimated restoration times

NOTE: If a powerline is on your property, we may need access to restore power. Please allow our technicians access to patrol. The sooner they can patrol, the sooner power will be restored.

How are we supporting customers during outages?

We are working hard to reduce the impact of losing power by:

Providing portable batteries, generator rebates and backup power transfer meters.
Notifying customers when an outage has occurred and when they can expect power to be restored.
Leveraging ground and air patrols for quicker restoration times.
Optimizing device sensitivity and other related settings to minimize the size and duration of outages.

Learn about the Generator Rebate Program

Learn about the Portable Battery Program

Learn about the Backup Power Transfer Meter Program

2022 County-Specific EPSS Maps

View a county-level map that shows the approximate areas powered by EPSS-capable circuits in your community. Circuits will be enabled when the wildfire risk is high.