PG&E mobilizes crews, AI‑guided prepositioning as multi‑phase California storm threatens outages

Storm posture tightens as multi‑phase system nears California

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is mobilising crews and activating its Emergency Operations Center as a powerful multi‑phase winter storm is forecast to begin on Monday and weaken by Wednesday evening. The utility warns the system brings gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rainfall — roughly 0.5 to 3 inches in coastal and mountainous locations — and unusually low snow levels down to about 2,000 feet, creating a risk of outages in areas not typically affected by winter storms.

AI-guided prepositioning focuses on faster, safer restoration

PG&E is deploying a data‑driven strategy that uses artificial intelligence and machine‑learning‑enhanced weather models to inform where to place crews, poles, transformers and other critical equipment ahead of impacts. The models integrate real‑time atmospheric data with historical outage patterns and network mapping, allowing the company to stage materials and personnel closer to areas forecast to experience the worst wind, rain and snow. Executives say this reduces time crews spend on the road once conditions are safe and limits dangerous field exposures during initial response phases.

The utility is building detailed resource and preparedness plans and expanding coordination with state and local emergency partners as multiple systems move through the Bay Area, Central Coast, San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills. PG&E is emphasising safety as its top priority and is activating enhanced communications across its Emergency Operations Center to streamline assessments and restoration once crews can work safely. The company notes the multi‑phase nature of the storm may cause impacts to linger or intensify in some locations before conditions moderate.

Officials underscore customer outreach and terrain risk

PG&E leaders, including Angie Gibson and Peter Kenny, stress that pre‑deploying personnel and materials is intended to speed restoration while protecting workers and the public. They highlight that unusually low snow levels — with significant accumulations above 3,000 feet — raise the prospect of outages in communities that do not typically contend with winter storm damage.

The utility is also expanding customer outreach, advising residents to prepare for outages, follow local emergency guidance and monitor PG&E notifications. PG&E is positioning to minimise restoration times and coordinate with response partners as the storm progresses.