SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - More than 30 San Diego Gas & Electric workers departed for Northern California Friday to help restore power for thousands of customers affected by the ongoing fires in Mendocino County.
SDG&E officials said the employees, along with 30 utility trucks, will assist their counterparts at Pacific Gas & Electric as they work to restore power wherever it is needed.
“While we want to make sure our crews remain safe while they're traveling up there, they're really looking forward to providing any assistance they can. Because at the end of the day, it's all about getting power back to those who really need it,” said SDG&E spokesperson Allison Torres.
Torres said once crews arrive in Mendocino County, they will receive their orders and begin work right away.
Cal Fire officials said over 150,000 acres have been burned in the Mendocino Complex Fires, which erupted July 27.
Electric companies impacted by major events such as wildfires are able to increase the size of their workforce through a mutual aid program -- essentially borrowing employees and equipment from other companies.
The SDG&E crews are expected to provide support in Mendocino County for 10 days.
The utility said the operation “will not hamper SDG&E’s ability to meet customer needs locally.”
Our trucks have begun deploying this morning. A total of 30 trucks and 32 employees are heading north to assist with power restoration to those impacted by the #MendocinoComplex fire. Wishing our guys a safe trip — you make us proud! @IBEW465 pic.twitter.com/UwVZZKWt7c
— SDG&E (@SDGE) August 3, 2018
