For the 20th Consecutive Year, SDG&E Recognized as Most Reliable Utility in the West

San Diego Gas & Electric's Unprecedented Achievement

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has reached a remarkable milestone by being awarded the ReliabilityOne® Award for outstanding reliability in the western region for twenty consecutive years. This accolade, bestowed by PA Consulting, is a testament to SDG&E's unwavering dedication to enhancing the resilience and reliability of its energy network for millions of customers.

Over the years, SDG&E has implemented strategic investments and initiatives that have set it apart from its peers in the industry. Their focus on modernizing infrastructure with advanced technology and predictive analytics has played a crucial role in minimizing service interruptions. These initiatives include the integration of robust safety programs, improvements in transmission and distribution systems, and the adoption of smart grid capabilities designed to significantly reduce both the frequency and duration of outages.

To maintain the highest service reliability around the clock, SDG&E relies not only on cutting-edge technology but also on a highly skilled workforce and a resilient supply chain. Their dedicated teams work incessantly to maintain and restore services swiftly, supported by a network of trusted contractors and suppliers who provide essential materials and resources during crucial moments. This collaborative approach, combined with meticulous planning and operational excellence, has allowed SDG&E to securely and reliably supply electricity to households and businesses even amidst challenges.

Scott Crider, president of SDG&E, remarked, “This award reflects our commitment to providing reliability and exceptional service to our customers and communities. We are integrating new technologies and enhancing infrastructure while considering the impact of energy costs on families and businesses. I am proud of our 4,300 employees for turning innovation into action and developing a more sustainable energy system for the future.”

Strategic Investment Journey

SDG&E's 20-year journey in reliability is characterized by pioneering investments and the implementation of state-of-the-art technology. These efforts have culminated in achieving a safer, more resilient, and reliable energy system serving 3.4 million consumers.

The reliability enhancements have included replacing outdated underground cables and overhead lines, the incorporation of smart switches that help limit outages, and the optimization of restoration processes to bring power back more swiftly to affected areas. Furthermore, SDG&E has improved customer experience with real-time updates on outages and an easy-to-use online tracking tool. Their modernized data systems allow for faster, data-driven decision-making and effective analysis of service interruptions, further solidifying reliability for the communities served.

Embracing Predictive and Automated Technology

In striving for continuous improvement, SDG&E has integrated a range of advanced technologies, including high-definition camera networks and artificial intelligence to facilitate early detection of fires. Their advanced sectionalizing devices allow the grid to automatically isolate and contain service interruptions, preventing wider power loss.

In terms of safety culture, SDG&E has become the first utility in California to achieve the prestigious VPP safety certification from Cal/OSHA, exceeding industry standards for operational excellence. This recognition underscores their commitment to workplace safety and innovation, reinforcing their responsibility to safeguard employees while providing a secure and resilient energy infrastructure.

Derek HasBrouck, director of the ReliabilityOne® Program at PA, commended utilities like SDG&E that are dedicated to delivering reliable service while improving resilience and maintaining affordability for their customers. Advances in technology are increasingly utilized to augment existing capabilities and enhance overall system efficiency, from offering more accurate restoration time estimates to implementing advanced control systems that allow operators to manage infrastructure through a single user interface.

Conclusion

As SDG&E moves forward, they remain focused on maintaining their reputation as a leader in energy reliability, driven by their commitment to sustainable initiatives and responsive customer service. Their remarkable achievement of being recognized for 20 consecutive years not only exemplifies their dedication to excellence but also sets a standard for other utilities in the sector.

For more information on SDG&E's initiatives and commitment to reliability, visit SDGEtoday.com. Sempra Energy, SDG&E's parent company, is also recognized for its leadership in energy infrastructure development.