PG&E has been conducting field tests in the Calistoga area to prevent wildfires from sparking due to its equipment, a spokesperson for the utility said.

The Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) was first installed at a Calistoga substation in 2020 in an attempt to “instantaneously” reduce the energy flowing through faults in lines, such as fallen tree branches or other detritus that could bring down power lines. The lines are supposed to detect fallen wire situations and immediately reduce the flow of electricity.

Continue reading for FREE

This is NOT a paywall. We just want to make sure you’re a human. Sign in to read this story and receive the weekly roundup in your inbox.

Or

Terms & Conditions

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.

Katy St. Clair got her start in journalism by working in the classifieds department at the East Bay Express during the height of alt weeklies, then sweet talked her way into becoming staff writer, submissions editor, and music editor. She has been a columnist in the East Bay Express, SF Weekly, and the San Francisco Examiner. Starting in 2015, she begrudgingly scaled the inverted pyramid at dailies such as the Vallejo Times-Herald, The Vacaville Reporter, and the Daily Republic. She has her own independent news site and blog that covers the delightfully dysfunctional town of Vallejo, California, where she also collaborates with the investigative team at Open Vallejo. A passionate advocate for people with developmental disabilities, she serves on both the Board of the Arc of Solano and the Arc of California. She lives in Vallejo.