Following lengthy power outages in Los Altos that have gone from several hours to several days, PG&E officials announced this week a major infrastructure project that will involve power pole and transformer replacements, and new wiring.
The Los Altos work will include replacing 74 power poles, 134 transformers and trenching 650 feet to install underground cable and more than 5,000 feet of overhead wires along North El Monte Avenue between Jay Street in Mountain View and South El Monte Avenue and Cuesta Drive in Los Altos. Work will continue throughout the year.
The utility cautions that some households may experience more than one planned power outage through the end of June.
Currently, outages are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 1, March 4 and March 9. These outages will impact residents living along North El Monte Avenue toward South Clark Avenue. Other outages will be scheduled as the work progresses, PG&E officials said.
The announcement comes after some residents said they suffered through lengthy power outages this year and last as storms with heavy winds battered the region.
Weather and other safety factors may change the schedule and any planned outages, according to the utility. Impacted customers will be notified in advance, officials said.
The work is part of a four-phase effort to modernize equipment, increase electric capacity and improve reliability during “extreme weather events,” according to PG&E officials.
“As California moves toward electrification to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, PG&E is upgrading its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric power,” according to a Feb. 20 press release forwarded by PG&E spokeswoman Stephanie Magallon. “In fact, PG&E is committed to reaching a net zero energy system by 2040, five years ahead of California’s current carbon neutrality goal.
“The upgrade in Los Altos is just one of several capacity projects happening in PG&E’s service area.”
“No Parking” signs will be placed along impacted streets at least 24 hours before work begins, according to PG&E. “Please plan for minor delays if crews are working outside your home or business,” the release said. “Most work will take place Monday through Friday during business hours.”
