As the Mendocino Complex Fire surpassed the Thomas Fire to become the largest fire in California history, help is needed more than ever in Northern California to rebuild fire-damaged electric infrastructure. To assist in these efforts, dozens of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) crews have traveled to Northern California to help restore power to thousands of people affected by the Mendocino Complex Fire and Carr Fire in Northern California.
The restoration work involves assessing damaged areas, resetting poles that have burned and rebuilding the electric grid in order to bring back power to the affected communities. So far, crews have completed pole replacements, and relocated fused switches and transformers.
In total, 32 electric utility employees and 30 utility trucks traveled north to help Pacific Gas & Electric with its restoration efforts. These SDG&E employees all volunteered for the mission and are expected to provide support for about 10 days. The safety of our crews, first responders and the communities they serve remains the top priority as they work to restore power in these areas.
SDG&E crews are working in Northern California as part of a mutual assistance program, a voluntary partnership of electric companies across the country committed to helping each other restore power whenever needed. Electric companies impacted by a major event are able to increase the size of their workforce by borrowing restoration workers from other companies in unaffected areas.