System Inspections Program

How we monitor and inspect our electric infrastructure

PG&E’s System Inspections Program monitors our distribution, transmission and substation equipment. It finds and fixes potential risks to the safety and security of the system. This work is part of our ongoing commitment to make sure PG&E’s electric equipment provides safe, reliable electricity.

Nearly one-third of the electric lines that provide our customers with power are now in High Fire-Threat District areas, as designated by the California Public Utilities Commission. The System Inspections Program is just one part of our efforts to address the climate risks of today—and tomorrow.

What to expect

PG&E's crews or contractors may inspect electric equipment in your neighborhood. This work may include:

• • Inspecting electric poles from the ground up
  • Climbing poles or towers to inspect the equipment and power lines more closely
  • Inspection by drone or helicopter, when needed

We document our inspections with high-resolution pictures. PG&E experts in system maintenance, engineering and maintenance planning review these images.

Timing of Inspections

Our electric overhead facilities undergo regular inspections. We inspect distribution overhead facilities in extreme fire-threat areas (Tier 3) every year. We inspect distribution overhead facilities in elevated fire-threat areas (Tier 2) every three years. We conduct inspections of our transmission and substation overhead facilities every five years. These inspections might be more frequent based on wildfire risk. This year, we will inspect all Tier 3 and some Tier 2 transmission overhead facilities.

The timing of each inspection depends on weather, access and other factors. We'll send you a courtesy notification when crews are inspecting equipment on your property. This includes helicopter or drone inspections.

Frequently asked questions

Information about inspections