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You may see helicopters flying low over your neighborhood today as PG&E conducts practice helicopter patrol flights and inspects power lines throughout San Mateo County. These practice flights will also take place in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
The helicopters will fly at 250 feet and may go even lower if closer inspection of the electric distribution lines is needed, according to a press release from PG&E. Other PG&E crews will patrol section lines on foot and by vehicle.
These practice flights are being conducted to train crews on operations during Public Safety Power Shutoff events. These power shutoff events take place during severe weather events, such as high winds, to prevent tree branches and other dry vegetation from contacting power lines and sparking a fire.
“Drills like this help prepare PG&E for actual PSPS events,” said Jake Zigelman, PG&E vice president of the Bay Area region in the press release. “These practice patrols help us test and hone our restoration capabilities. By working through challenges ahead of time, we can minimize the impact of real PSPS events for our customers.”
During PSPS events, power cannot be restored until the weather event has passed, and crews must ensure that lines are clear of branches and debris before the power can be turned back on.
Customers will not experience power interruptions during these drills. However, if crews find hazards or damages during the drills, they will be reported and addressed.
