The Chips fire is posing a significant threat to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) electric facilities, including transmission lines that serve PG&E customers in Quincy, East Quincy and other nearby communities. As a precaution, PG&E is working to bring in mobile generators to three substations so power to 3,400 homes and businesses can continue should fires cause an outage to both transmission lines serving these substations.
What PG&E is doing:
- PG&E has rented three utility-scale mobile generators and is trucking them to the Quincy area substations. PG&E crews are modifying the substations so they can accommodate the backup generators to power the substations. PG&E expects these generators to be in place and ready to operate by Aug. 10 and 11.
- There are two 60,000-volt transmission lines that serve these substations, and either one can carry enough power for the three substations. But fires can damage transmission lines, or PG&E may de-energize the lines for firefighter safety.
- PG&E teams, including our Mobile Command Vehicle, are staged in Quincy and are assessing at-risk facilities and pre-treating wooden utility poles for fire protection where accessible.
How you can prepare and stay safe:
- PG&E recommends having the following items on hand: a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first-aid kit, a supply of food or snacks that does not require cooking, and extra water.
- Treat all downed power lines as if they are “live” or energized. Keep yourself and others away from them. Call 911, then notify PG&E at1-800-743-5002.
- Report and get updates on outages at PG&E's 24-Hour Emergency and Customer Service Line:1-800-743-5002
For more safety information, go towww.pge.com/safetycentral
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