Preps underway for West Coast power outages, residents urged to prepare
Millions of Californians are at risk of seeing heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
PG&E Storm Preps
California’s largest utility provider is preparing for power outages.
FREMONT, Calif. - California’s largest utility provider says they are preparing for damage and outages during the powerful storm system that will impact the state.
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company provides natural gas and electric service to nearly 16 million customers in Northern and Central California.
FOX Weather Meteorologists anticipate conditions will start going downhill on Sunday.
Rainfalls totals upwards of a foot are possible in isolated areas.
Additionally, winds in the Sierra Nevada could gust as high as 100 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
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A PG&E spokesperson said that have supplies and extra crews on standby to respond to the hardest-hit areas.
"We are bringing crews from areas that are expected to be less hit to the area that expected to be harder hit. So we have the right number of people in the right place at the right time, PG&E Tamar Sarkissian told Fox affiliate KTVU.
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Recently, PG&E installed equipment that ‘self-heals’ the grid, allowing operators to switch customers to different power sources.
The utility company said that the new technology could help cut down on the scope of outages, typically seen during storms.
Despite the planning and new technology, PG&E still encourages customers to have a plan ready and prepare power for outages.
PG&E power outage tips:
- Make sure your phone is charged
- Learn how to manually open and close your garage door
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank
- Keep cash on hand