PG&E holds webinar on wildfire safety and prevention in Taglish

A firefighter runs while battling the Thompson Fire burning in Oroville, Calif., Tuesday, July 2, 2024. An extended heat wave blanketing Northern California has resulted in red flag fire warnings and power shutoffs. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

OAKLAND – Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), in collaboration with the Philippine American Press Club USA (PAPC), held a special webinar on wildfire safety and prevention in Taglish on Aug. 20.

PG&E reached out to multicultural communities to help them stay safe during wildfire season.

The webinar featured the latest updates on wildfire prevention work and safety resources for all, including those with medical needs or disabilities before, during and after a public safety power shutoff.

Fiona Chan, Integrated Multicultural Communications principal, provided PG&E website information, while lawyer Regina Venzon, chief of staff to the PG&E chief operating officer, discussed the latest wildfire prevention programs and risk reduction processes to make their system safer.

Safety first

Highlighting safety and preparedness, Venzon encouraged everyone to prepare for natural disasters or emergencies. She suggested preparing a list of emergency contacts and building a disaster kit that includes food, water, medication, flashlights and first aid supplies.

Venzon urged customers to update their contact information with PG&E to stay informed of potential power outages and receive important alerts. Customers are encouraged to visit pge.com/alerts and safetyactioncenter.pge.com.

Latest improvements

PG&E’s latest improvements include the installation of 2,000 weather stations and 600 hi-definition cameras with AI capability to better predict, monitor and respond to wildfires and severe weather.

Enhanced Power line Safety Settings (EPSS) to 44,000+ line miles in wildfire-risk areas have been installed to automatically shut off power with one-tenth of a second if a hazard is detected. PG&E has also established Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which turns off power for safety as a last resort during severe weather.

Their resiliency work includes installing strong poles and covered powerlines and burying 10,000 miles of powerlines in the highest wildfire-risk areas. This will help reduce wildfire risk and improve reliability during severe weather.

Vegetation management includes removing or pruning 1 million+ trees each year to ensure they are at a safe distance from powerlines. These measures have reduced wildfire risk by more than 94 percent.

Customer Care

The Community Wildfire Safety Program established community resource centers to provide up-to-date information during PSPS.

Customers are provided access to personal and medical device charging, mobile battery chargers, ADA-accessible restrooms, bottled water and snacks, and resting areas. Visit pge.com/crc

Since 2020, PG&E has distributed more than 18,000 portable batteries to eligible customers. Electricity-dependent individuals are assisted with emergency preparedness planning, portable batteries and PSPS in-event support like hotels, transportation and food for eligible customers.

Those who are at increased risk of harm to their health, safety and independence during a PSPS and other emergency events can reach out to their local Disability Disaster Access and Resources Center prior to a PSPS for assistance. Illnesses like sleep apnea and COPD are eligible. Visit pge.com/ddar

For 2024, PG&E increased funding and expanded eligibility for the Generator and Battery Rebate Program. Visit pgecom/portablebattery and pge.com/backuppower.

PG&E also developed a new meter design to make it easier for customers to use backup power during emergency outages. The program is free for customers with a compatible generator. Visit http://pge.com/transfermeter

Self-Generation Incentive Program to save on energy storage systems is offered to residences and business customers in high-risk areas.

Venzon said customers can call 800 743-5000 for assistance and visit  www.pge.com for more information on topics such as Getting Started with Solar and California Energy Efficiency Loans for Home and Business at Go Green Financing.

Understanding two causes of outages: Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) vs. Public Power Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

While both help prevent wildfires, they have different functions. EPSS automatically turns off power within one-tenth of a second when there is a wildfire hazard, like when a tree branch is detected on a powerline. Outage is not pre-planned compared to PSPS, where outage is planned when there is an expected severe weather forecast, low humidity levels, forecasted high winds, dry vegetation or imminent wildfire situations. visit http://pge.com/outages

Understanding your power bill

Venzon said many of their customers wanted to know what comprises their electric bill. She explained that 31 percent of their bill is mandated by the state. This includes tree trimming, renewables portfolio standard, EPSS, PSPS and subsidized public programs. Venzon said 32 percent goes to energy generation and purchasing costs; 22 percent goes to operations, maintenance and upgrades (improvements and waste elimination programs) and reduction of wildfire risks; 10 percent is regulator-authorized earnings and 5 percent is for taxes.

Tips on reporting wildfire hazards or events

Hotline Wildfire Safety: 1-866 743-6589

For free and confidential support and resources via text, call 211. Visit http://211ca.org/

If you have questions regarding this webinar, email [email protected].