PG&E Flying Low Over Napa County To Practice For Shutoffs

NAPA COUNTY, CA — Pacific Gas & Electric Company is set to conduct pre-inspection helicopter flights beginning this week over Napa County in an effort to improve its Public Safety Power Shutoff program by making events smaller in size, shorter in length and smarter for its customers.

"Through August, PG&E will fly several helicopters along electric distribution lines located throughout the North Bay to practice response during a future PSPS event," PG&E North Bay Spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said.

Flights will depart the local airports in Angwin and Napa.

Helicopters will fly low, roughly 100 feet, Monday through Friday, but not necessarily every day, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Flights are set to begin Wednesday in Napa, Calistoga, Angwin and St. Helena. Flight schedules are dependent on weather and other factors, and are subject to change.

Power will not be interrupted during the pre—inspections.

The sole purpose of a PSPS is to reduce the risk of major wildfires during severe weather; PG&E says with more than half of the area where its customers live and work now at high risk for wildfires, shutoffs are an important tool for keeping customers and communities safe.

PG&E says while turning off power prevents wildfires, it also disrupts lives and can include its own risks, particularly for those who need power for medical equipment.

"That’s why PG&E’s goal this year is to reduce the number of customers affected by potential PSPS events by nearly one-third compared to a similar weather event last year and restore power within 12 daylight hours after the severe weather has passed," Contreras said.

During an actual PSPS event, crews will inspect de-energized lines using aircraft, vehicles and foot patrols to identify and repair damage before restoring power.

Anyone with questions about the helicopters flights is asked to call 800-PGE-5000.