Pacific Gas and Electric : PG&E Prepares for Incoming Weather System Targeting Northern and Central California

As crews work to restore power to the final customers affected by the strong New Year's Eve storm, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is simultaneously readying for another wet, windy weather event expected to pass through Northern and Central California this week.

PG&E has fully restored more than 487,000 customers impacted by last weekend's storm and continues assessing damage and making repairs to restore remaining customers. Approximately 15,640 customers remain without power. PG&E has more than 1,300 dedicated professionals providing around-the-clock storm support, supplemented by contractors and mutual-aid assistance crews from Southern California Edison.

PG&E meteorologists expect the incoming weather system will deliver significant precipitation and heavy winds over the coming days. PG&E crews are ready to mobilize for a widespread response, and customers are encouraged to take action now to minimize any impact from potential new power outages.

The weather system forecasted to move through PG&E's service area as early as Wednesday, Jan. 4, will deliver strong, gusty winds, moderate to heavy rain and a chance for isolated thunderstorms. Wind gusts are expected in the 35-50 MPH range at lower elevations and 55-65 MPH gusts are possible across elevated terrain, portions of the Central Valley and along the coast.

Potential hazardous conditions such as flooding, mud slides and road closures-some which remain from the storms that occurred over New Year's weekend-could slow restoration efforts for some customers. The incoming adverse weather could result in trees, limbs and other debris falling into powerlines, damaging equipment, and interrupting electric service. Soil is saturated in many locations, meaning trees could fall and localized flooding and mudslides are possible.

The company is using its storm outage prediction models that help determine the potential timing, location, and number of power outages. This allows the company to have extra crews on standby to deploy to areas that are hard hit by the storm. PG&E is also prestaging power poles, powerlines, transformers, and other electric equipment at yards throughout our service territory in preparation to restore power to affected areas safely and as quickly as possible.

"This weather system by itself would present widespread challenges, and we have to factor that many parts of our service area remain saturated after last weekend's storm. Our crews have been working around-the-clock in the elements and will continue working tirelessly to ensure we minimize any impact this storm may have on our customers and hometowns. We encourage customers to prepare for the storm now - have an emergency plan in case you lose power and update your contact information on PG&E's website so we can provide you with real-time updates on outages in your neighborhood," said Angie Gibson, vice president, PG&E Emergency Preparedness & Response

Keeping Customers Informed

Customers can view real-time outage information at PG&E's online outage centerand search by a specific address, by city or by county. This site has been updated to include support in 16 languages.

Additionally, customers can sign up for outage notificationsby text, email, or phone. PG&E will let customers know the cause of an outage, when crews are on their way, the estimated restoration time and when power has been restored.

PG&E is coordinating with its community-based partners to offer support to customers in need. PG&E partners with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer support for older adults and people with disabilities through the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program. As well, as the California Network of 2-1-1 who can connect customers to resources in their local communities.

Storm Safety Tips

· Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it-and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

· Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on powerlines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.

· Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights and not candles, due to the risk of fire. And keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.

· Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. Having a portable charging device helps to keep your cell phone running.

· Have fresh drinking water and ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer to prevent food spoilage.

· Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.

Safely clean up: After the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 8-1-1 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center.