PG&E Engineers Use Laboratory to Stress Test EPSS Technology

PG&E unveiled its latest technology to address the ongoing threat of wildfires in high fire-risk areas. The Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) system is designed to automatically shut off power within a fraction of a second if a potential threat to the electric system, such as a falling tree branch, is detected. PG&E engineers worked to develop and test the EPSS system, which aims to minimize energy release during electrical faults and reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire ignition. The system strikes a balance between quick de-energization of the line in response to a fault, and not unnecessarily de-energizing the line due to momentary load bumps. With California's history of devastating wildfires, the EPSS system is a significant step forward in improving powerline safety.