Executive Summary
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) launched an EPIC project to evaluate next-generation solutions for Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) and Asset Health Monitoring (AHM) across its transmission network in California. The initiative aims to increase grid reliability, unlock hidden capacity, and prepare the system for extreme weather and higher renewable energy penetration.
As part of this demonstration, PG&E is evaluating Sentrisense's SENTRI sensor, a fully autonomous field device that combines DLR and asset health monitoring directly on overhead transmission lines. SENTRI provides continuous, real-time data on conductor temperature, sag, vibration, and fatigue, supporting data-driven maintenance and safer operation closer to true line capacity.
The Challenge
PG&E operates one of the largest and most complex electric networks in the United States. The utility faces increasing pressure from:
- Extreme weather events such as heat waves and high winds
- Growing congestion on existing transmission corridors
- Rapid integration of renewable energy sources
- The need to modernize aging infrastructure without costly expansions
Traditional static line ratings limit how much power can be safely transmitted, often leaving capacity unused. At the same time, limited real-time insight into asset condition makes proactive maintenance difficult. PG&E needed technologies that could provide continuous, field-based visibility into both line capacity and asset health, while supporting long-term reliability and cost efficiency.
The Sentrisense Solution
What was deployed
- Real time data from the conductors. With SENTRI sensors mounted directly on overhead transmission lines
- Autonomous. The sensors recharge automatically using a solar harvester
- Continuous measurement of temperature, sag, vibration, and conductor fatigue
- Real-time data delivery to a dedicated monitoring platform
PG&E completed hardware installations and activated vendor dashboards as part of the broader technology demonstration, reaching trial deployment status.
What this meant for PG&E
- Direct, real-time insight from the conductor itself
- Ability to assess line behavior under real operating conditions
- Early visibility into mechanical stress and degradation patterns
- Support for data-driven maintenance and operational planning
By evaluating SENTRI, PG&E is exploring a cost-efficient way to extend asset lifespan while improving situational awareness across critical transmission corridors.
Results
Operational visibility
- Continuous monitoring of key conductor parameters
- Real-time data supporting Dynamic Line Rating decisions
- Improved understanding of asset behavior in changing conditions
Strategic impact
- Supports higher utilization of existing infrastructure
- Contributes to congestion reduction strategies
- Strengthens readiness for extreme weather scenarios
- Enables better planning for renewable energy integration
Grid modernization
- Demonstrates the role of field-based sensing in future grid operations
- Aligns with PG&E's broader innovation and R&D strategy
- Helps reduce reliance on costly traditional infrastructure upgrades
Mike Delaney Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation, PG&E"This project is a critical step in modernizing California's grid. Fundamentally, it is focused on leveraging new technology to save California's families and businesses money. We see a clear path to unlocking significant value through Dynamic Line Rating and asset health monitoring technologies."