#United States #California #PG&E #wildfire safety #Underground Powerlines

PG&E's Underground Powerlines Revolutionize Fire Safety

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has achieved a significant milestone in wildfire safety by successfully constructing and energizing 1,000 miles of underground powerlines in high-risk areas across California. This initiative, noted as the largest of its kind by any utility, aims to drastically reduce the threat of wildfires fueled by electrical infrastructure.

The Scope of the Project

These underground powerlines serve communities in 27 counties throughout Northern and Central California, effectively minimizing the chances of fire ignitions caused by powerlines. In many of these areas, such as Butte County and Shasta County, PG&E has buried over 337 and 119 miles of powerlines, respectively, with additional installations across other counties.

By the end of 2026, PG&E anticipates that the total length of undergrounded powerlines will reach 1,600 miles, contributing to an overall 18% reduction in wildfire risk across their electricity system.

Economic and Safety Improvements

One of the remarkable aspects of this endeavor is the decline in the cost of undergrounding powerlines, which has decreased from $4 million to $3.1 million per mile as of 2025. This cost reduction is a result of innovative practices such as:

• - Collaborating with local contractors to support regional economies.
• - Utilizing advanced construction technologies, including chain trenchers and rock-wheel saws, to enhance operational efficiency.
• - Streamlining the trenching process, thereby minimizing the standard dimensions and disposal costs associated with construction.

By opting for underground powerlines, PG&E also reduces the need for annual tree trimming that is often necessary for maintaining overhead lines, thereby optimizing resource use effectively.

Comprehensive Risk Mitigation Strategy

In addition to undergrounding, PG&E has implemented multiple layers of wildfire safeguards, including:

• - The installation of nearly 1,600 weather stations and over 650 HD cameras to monitor and respond to fire risks in real time.
• - The inspection, trimming, or removal of over 960,000 trees and vegetation along its service area.
• - The strengthening of more than 1,400 miles of power poles and covered powerlines to withstand severe weather conditions.

These collective efforts have shown efficacy; PG&E’s safety protocols prevented significant fire incidents related to their equipment over the past two years.

Commitment to Long-term Safety

Peter Kenny, PG&E's senior vice president of Electric Operations, emphasized the company's commitment to reducing wildfire risks, stating, “Putting 1,000 miles of powerlines underground is a significant milestone for our customers as we work to mitigate wildfire risks every day.”
He pointed out that skepticism existed when the initiative was first launched, yet the project has not only proven feasible but has also become a benchmark in wildfire mitigation efforts.

Matt Pender, PG&E's vice president of Undergrounding and System Hardening, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of making enduring changes that will protect residents for decades.
According to a report from the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, PG&E is recognized among the top utilities nationwide for wildfire readiness, achieving the highest rating in wildfire mitigation efforts.

For ongoing updates and detailed insights regarding PG&E's safety initiatives, please visit pge.com/wildfiresafetyprogress. This proactive approach illustrates PG&E’s commitment not only to innovation but also to the safety and well-being of the communities it serves.