A group of Atlas Peak residents invited PG&E CEO Patti Poppe to visit and share her plans for preventing wildfires in November. She shared their plan for undergrounding 10,000 miles of power lines and also highlighted technology to detect faults and shut off lines to prevent ignition. The presentation highlighted cameras like the one we have on Atlas Peak to detect ignition events early. We were immensely impressed with Patty Poppe's long term vision and leadership, and want to commend her for being bold in declaring war on wildfire. Thanks to Igor Sill and Supervisor Pedroza for inviting and Chris Bailey and Circle R Ranch for hosting.
Patti Poppe summed up her message for us:
"Collectively we can work together to end catastrophic wildfire in California. ...It starts with us [PG&E] and then partnering with each other to find the smartest and best ways to mitigate ignition. And then have the layers of protection in the event that there is one. I think we'll just together make our community safe again."
And it will take continued engagement from us as undergrounding proceeds:
- With a goal of 175 miles this year, it will take years to complete the first 10,000 miles, which is 1/2 of the lines in high fire threat areas. We will see more fires in California caused by PG&E before this goal is met.
- Undergrounding maps do not prioritize Atlas Peak at present, focusing on higher voltage lines in high risk areas.
- Undergrounding efforts by PG&E will not include putting lower voltage lines below, leaving power poles across the landscape (See graphic and explanation below*).
Power poles can have three or more levels of lines. If there are two levels at the very top, the upper one is the higher voltage transmission line and the lower is the lower voltage distribution line. The lower set is what connects to homes. Far below the power lines are the low voltage communications lines for phone and internet. It is only the very upper set of high voltage transmission lines that are being put underground. Think of it as the transmission lines are the freeways and the distribution are the streets. The freeway is going underground will feed the above ground streets. Power poles will not go away.
It is our responsibility to do our part in preventing wildfire, to reduce fuel this time of year, maintain our zones of defense, and take the time to be prepared for wildfire. See the resources on our website. PG&E spends $1.9B per year on clearing vegetation around existing lines. We need to do our part too.
Thanks all for your support and engagement, and here is to a happy and safe 2023!