PG&E completed installing the first of three "intelligent switches" in Chico today. (Photo by Paul Moreno.)
CHICO — PG&E has installed three intelligent switches in central Chico that can automatically begin to restore power well before crews arrive for assessment and repairs.
The intelligent switches constantly monitor power line conditions. In the event of an outage, they can isolate a trouble spot such as a downed wire or car into a utility pole, then reroute power to restore most customers within a few minutes.
The three intelligent switches being installed atop utility poles near the Mangrove Avenue corridor in central Chico also provide PG&E system operators with detailed information about power grid conditions.
The intelligent switches are called FLISR systems, or fault location, isolation and service restoration system. PG&E is spending $181 million to deploy automatic FLISR systems throughout its service area as part of its Cornerstone Reliability Program.