PG&E Readies Electric System and Crews for Extended Heat and Elevated Wildfire Conditions

As PG&E meteorologists closelymonitoranextended heat event, PG&E is sharing resources to help customers stay safe and prepared

OAKLAND, Calif., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is preparing for an extended heat eventacross inland parts of PG&E's servicearea,whichisexpected tobeginJuly 31,andlast throughAugust 7, with the hottest temperatures forecastAugust1through August3.

PG&E meteorologistsare forecastingthat thehigh temperaturesintheNorth Valley andSierra Foothills along with the Central Valleywillfurther dry out fuelsand vegetation, which places these areas ata higher risk for wildfire.

Q: What is PG&E doing to prepare for the upcoming heat event?
A:PG&E is taking proactive steps to prepare its electric system and workforce for theanticipatedperiod of extreme heat. The company is strategically aligning staffing, enhancing crew readiness, pre-positioning equipment and resources, and reviewing operational plans to support safe and reliable electric service throughout the event. PG&E alsomaintainsan inventory of Fire & Flood Emergency Services suppression technology that can be deployed quickly if conditionswarrant.

Q: How high are temperatures expected?
A:As ofJuly 29, PG&E meteorologistshaveidentifiedtemperaturesranging from102to108in Redding, Red Bluff,Marysvilleand surrounding areas.As for the Central Valley, temperatures range from 104 to 108 inStockton,Fresnoand Bakersfield.

Q: Why is this heat event raising wildfire concerns?
A:Whilestrong windsare not currently expected to be widespread, the extended period of above-normal temperatureswillfurtherdryvegetation and other fuels. Dry fuels can increase wildfire potential, making close monitoring and preparedness especially important.

Q: How is PG&E tracking weather and wildfire conditions?
A:PG&E's in-house meteorology team continuouslymonitorsweather conditions and wildfire potential using advanced forecasting tools. Their real-time analysis helps inform operational planning and supports decision-making across the company.

"This prolonged stretch of above-normal temperatureswith low relative humidity will continue to dry fuels, which raises fire potential even without widespread strong winds," saidPG&E Chief MeteorologistScott Strenfel. "We're monitoring conditions around the clock and providing our operations teams with the latest forecasts to support planning and response as conditions evolve."

Q: What should customers do to prepare for possible heat-related outages?
A:PG&E encourages customers toplan aheadand be prepared for the possibility of outages during periods of extreme heat. Customers should:

• Use battery-operated flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
• Ensure generators areproperly installedby a licensed electrician andoperatedin a well-ventilated area.
• Freeze containers of water to help keep refrigerators and freezers cold if power is interrupted.
• Keep mobile phones and essential devices charged.
• Review emergency plans and maintain a supply of necessary medications and critical items.

Q: How can customers stay informed if an outage occurs?
A:Customers can receive outage updates through several channels:

• Call PG&E's outage information line at1-800-743-5002.
• Visit PG&E'sOutage Centerand Electric Outage Map online.
• Sign in to their account atpge.comto enroll in outage alerts by text, email, or phone.
• Update contact information atpge.com/mywildfirealertsto ensure they receive important safety and operational notifications.

Q: What is PG&E's message to customers?
A:PG&E encourages customers to stay informed, prepare for hot weather conditions, and take simple steps now to help ensure their households are ready. The company will continuemonitoringconditions around the clock and coordinating resources across its service area to support safe and reliable service during the heat event.

About PG&E?
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company