PG&E Opens New Electric Control Center In Fresno, CA

Posted by Heidi Schwartz

PG&E's new electric distribution grid control center in Fresno was constructed with an eye toward the future, said Gary Cassilagio.
PG&E’s new electric distribution grid control center in Fresno was constructed with an eye toward the future, said Gary Cassilagio. (Photo: James Green.)

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has unveiled its new, state-of-the-art, $28.5 million electric distribution control center in Fresno, CA. The Fresno facility is the first of three new control centers—other locations will be Concord and Rocklin—that will manage PG&E’s more than the 140,000 miles of electric distribution system.

The new distribution control center is just one of many infrastructure investments in Fresno and the Central Valley in recent years. In fact, PG&E is set to invest approximately $940 million in the region between 2012 and 2016. The new operations center will enhance electric reliability and resiliency and will use current and future Smart Grid technologies. Electric operators from the area also played a key role in helping design the new electric grid nerve center.

“This state-of-the-art facility, which integrates a wide range of advanced technologies under one roof, gives our grid operators unprecedented visibility into our electric system, which will allow them to help limit outages and restore service to our customers as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Geisha Williams, executive vice president of Electric Operations.

“The City of Fresno appreciates the $28.5 million dollar investment in our community, and the 250 construction jobs created during the building and construction phase of this project,” said Steve Brandau, Fresno City Council President.

The new control center has been equipped with systems that support Smart Grid technology but will also support future upgrades as well. Constructed with redundant data feeds, the new facility will provide emergency back-up capabilities to enhance PG&E’s disaster resiliency capability. Additionally, the center has the flexibility to shift operations to other new regional control centers (Concord and Rocklin) if support is needed in the event of a major storm or natural disaster.