On July 3, 2024, PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) held an online press briefing at the Vacaville Emergency Operations Center to present the company’s latest measures in response to the ongoing heatwave in central and northern California.
California is currently experiencing extreme high temperatures, with temperatures reaching triple digits along the coastal valleys in the Bay Area and exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the Central Valley. Mark Quinlan, the commander of PG&E’s Emergency Operations Center, emphasized that this is a prolonged heat event posing significant challenges to public safety and the power system.
PG&E’s meteorologist, Scott Strenfel, pointed out that a strong high-pressure ridge is forming over California, expected to bring continued high temperatures over the next week. This heatwave is comparable to historically severe heatwaves such as those in July 2006 and September 2022.
Cities like Redding, Red Bluff, Fresno, and Bakersfield are predicted to see temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit for eight consecutive days, setting new historical records.
While a cool marine layer is moving northwards from the south, inland areas like Vacaville are unlikely to benefit significantly from the cooler air brought by the marine layer. Quinlan urged the public to stay cool, hydrated, and be cautious of the potential fire hazards posed by the extreme heatwave.
Quinlan stated that PG&E has activated comprehensive emergency response measures, including inspecting all critical substations and conducting helicopter patrols of 50 power lines to ensure the stable operation of the power system.
In addition to the Vacaville Emergency Operations Center, PG&E has set up five regional emergency centers, 19 district operations centers, a 24-hour Hazard Awareness and Warning Center (HAWC), power transmission and distribution control centers, and a power dispatch center. PG&E has mobilized all staff, pre-deploying resources and equipment to promptly respond to and restore power when needed.
Tom Smith, PG&E’s Chief Customer Officer, informed at the meeting that PG&E has initiated power shutoffs for residential customers with unpaid bills. The company is providing multilingual and accessible information services to support seniors and individuals with disabilities through the customer hotline: 1-800-743-5000. PG&E is also collaborating with community organizations to offer emergency resources and food assistance to address the potential impacts of prolonged power outages.
PG&E urges all customers to prepare and take necessary precautions to safely navigate through the summer’s high temperatures. The company commits to closely monitoring weather changes, collaborating with state and local agencies to ensure power supply and safety. Updates on weather and power conditions will be provided on their website (www.pge.com/safety) and social media platforms for customers to stay informed. Let’s stay safe and prepared during this heatwave.