Several power lines along Highway 17 could have sparked fire if not for shutoff, PG&E says

There were several de-energized lines that came down on Highway 17 from hazards or branches that fell during the powerful winds Sunday.

Monday, KION cameras were there as PG&E put up new power lines along the highway. Crews restrung 900 feet along and across the highway.

When they got the all clear Monday morning, crews inspected the lines, which is when they found several downed power lines, and then began the process of restoring the power.

PG&E did have to close lanes on both sides of 17, causing big traffic delays, but PG&E says all the inconvenience is for good reason.

“This line does snake through the Santa Cruz mountains and serve portions of this community, because we did proactively de-energize the line we did not have any hazards or fires,” PG&E spokesperson Nicole Liebelt said.”What I can tell you: this is exactly why we practice the PSPS activations.”

More than 45,000 lost power during this current power shutoff in Santa Cruz county and will be fully restored within 48 hours. However, there will be another public safety shutoff starting as early as Tuesday and Santa Cruz will be a part of the shutoff.

“PG&E’s perspective is, if it’s safe to restore power we will restore power as safely and quickly as possible,” Liebelt said.

As of 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, PG&E said they had restored power to nearly half of their customers in Santa Cruz County.