Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings

PGE uses protective devices across the grid to quickly detect electrical faults caused by equipment problems, falling branches, animals or debris. These devices work in three different ways, depending on the fire risk.

• Normal conditions: If a fault is detected, the devices will automatically attempt to restore power up to two times before a crew needs to step in.

• Fire season: During fire season, the devices become more sensitive and will only try to restore power once. This helps lower the risk of a spark starting a fire.

• Days with increased fire risk, also called Red Flag Warning days: On Red Flag Warning days, we won’t automatically restore power. If there’s a concern, we’ll keep the power off until PGE crews check the line in person and ensure it is safe to turn back on. This extra safety measure can mean longer power outages.

We use these settings in areas that have an increased risk of wildfire, like in heavily forested communities. We can also expand these settings across our service area depending on extreme weather and hazardous conditions.

Since 2019, areas that are at risk of wildfire have grown. Despite this increase, average outage time per customer has not, a sign that the program is working as we hoped.

While EPSS may cause more frequent or longer power outages during wildfire season, impact to overall power reliability has been minimal. We continue to work hard to keep communities safe and minimize power disruptions.