PG&E Conducting Accelerated Wildfire Risk Inspections In Marin

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Pacific Gas and Electric Company is inspecting transmission lines this week that run through multiple cities in Marin and Sonoma counties.

PG&E is using drones and helicopters to inspect the lines as part of its updated System Inspections program in the two North Bay counties. The program accelerates inspection cycles beyond compliance regulations to align with wildfire risk, the utility company said.

Flights will continue throughout this year in the North Bay; the inspection areas for the weeks of Aug. 31 and Sept. 7 are along lines that run through the following cities and communities in Marin and Sonoma counties: San Rafael, Novato, Sausalito, Bolinas, Petaluma, Lakeville, Fulton, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg (Fitch Mountain), Sonoma, Boyes Hot Springs and Agua Caliente.

Residential and business customers along the transmission lines throughout both counties should have received a postcard and/or an automated phone call about the drone and helicopter flights, according to a news release issued Monday by PG&E.

Weather permitting and barring maintenance issues, flights will take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

According to PG&E, the ongoing System Inspections Program protects grid safety and reliability by finding and fixing potential risks.

The company says it is prioritizing work in areas of extreme — Tier 3 — and elevated —Tier 2 —wildfire risk as defined by the California Public Utilities Commission High Fire-Threat District Map. Electric transmission lines in areas that fall in both tiers will be evaluated more frequently, while infrastructure in non-high fire-threat areas will be inspected at least every six years, according to PG&E.

The company plans to inspect 15,000 miles of its electric lines this year, including all Tier 3 areas, one-third of the lines in Tier 2 areas, and additional line miles in non-high fire-threat areas.

According to PG&E, inspectors are looking at all components of PG&E assets, including cross-arms, insulators and footings, along with critical electrical components and equipment. Inspectors document findings through high-resolution images, which are reviewed by dedicated teams experienced in system maintenance, engineering, construction and maintenance planning to evaluate identified conditions, PG&E said.

All the highest-priority conditions found through inspections will be promptly repaired or made safe, according to PG&E. Repairs for all other conditions are scheduled for completion as part of the company’s routine work execution plan, the company said.