SDG&E’s Efforts in Mitigating PSPS Events and Enhancing Customer Communication Earn Dual Best Practices Awards
By Allison Herdic, Senior Industry Analyst
Chartwell member San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) demonstrated exceptional commitment to customer safety and communications transparency during unprecedented wildfire conditions. After experiencing multiple waves of PSPS events in December 2024 and January 2025 due to historic Santa Ana winds, SDG&E successfully notified nearly 275,000 customers, supported vulnerable populations, and maintained trust in affected communities. At the conclusion of the PSPS events, 86% of surveyed customers reported satisfaction with SDG&E’s communication efforts. This initiative earned SDG&E Silver recognition in Chartwell’s 2025 Best Practices Awards for Outage Communications. View the case study here.
Learn more about the Outage Communications Leadership Council
Additionally, SDG&E has made significant advancements in mitigating wildfire risks and reducing the need for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, as well as improving communications in the event a PSPS event occurs.
Their innovative Wildfire Next Generation System (WiNGS) models climate scenarios, estimates potential outcomes, and prioritizes communities and assets to better prepare for extreme fire weather conditions.
In 2024, SDG&E enhanced WiNGS by adding a new layer to assess hazards associated with temporary construction and compliance (TCC) assets. This addition has expedited risk analysis, allowing SDG&E to minimize the impact of PSPS de-energization events on its customers.
These proactive measures have earned SDG&E Gold recognition in Chartwell’s 2025 Best Practices Awards for Excellence in Outage Operations. View the case study here.
SDG&E will discuss their strategy at Chartwell’s PowerUp Conference in October: Layered Technology Improves Operational Insights, Reduces Shutoff Risks for SDG&E Customers.
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