PG&E is installing a larger substation transformer expected to improve capacity on the Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey Peninsula residents, frustrated over the most recent big power outage during the storm that walloped the region on Dec. 14, may have noticed their power flickering off and on in recent days. The reason is likely because PG&E is undertaking a major power upgrade at the Del Monte substation in Monterey, bordering Seaside.

The company imported a much larger transformer from South Korea, with higher capacity to support the area's growing energy needs, PG&E announced on Monday, Dec. 23. It's expected to improve reliability for more than 28,400 customers on the Monterey Peninsula.

The transformer traveled via cargo boat to Long Beach and was trucked to the Monterey County Fairgrounds. It was transferred to the substation during the night to reduced traffic impacts. (A video of the transformer, its travels and installation is available here.)

Crews are in the process of installing the massive machine, which required demolition of the old concrete pad and construction of a new one to accommodate the much larger transformer. 

To make the switch, they had to transfer thousands of customers from the Del Monte substation to the Viejo substation, located in the Skyline Forest area of Monterey, during the installment. The change is putting more strain on the Viejo substation's circuits, according to PG&E spokesperson Stephanie Magallon.

Magallon says by email that the storm on Dec. 14 was "one of the most damaging storms in recent history," and that the Central Coast, most specifically the Monterey area, was one of the most impacted regions. 

"The storm took down hundreds of trees and those trees became our biggest obstacle as crews repaired and restored power," she says. "Each damage site may have impacted more customers than usual, because of the temporary circuit misconfiguration."

Magallon says PG&E is looking into additional steps to mitigate future outages. She says crews will be inspecting power lines ahead of storms to take care of maintenance and vegetation work.