PG&E’s new Monterey substation expected to go online soon.

Pacific Gas and Electric’s new substation in Monterey is nearing completion, with company representatives targeting an online date in the second quarter of 2026.

Mike McCarty, senior manager of electric distribution planning for PG&E, said during a Jan. 14 media briefing that power outages in the area are expected to be reduced by 50 percent, thanks to the substation’s increased capacity lessening the load on other substations.

That should come as welcome news to thousands along the Peninsula who have voiced their frustrations about lengthy and widespread power outages afflicting the region. The most recent came during high winds and rain on Dec. 24, affecting more than 15,000 households and businesses, forcing many to celebrate Christmas in the dark.

“That winter storm was quite a wallop for our system,” said Jeremy Howard, regional senior manager for PG&E’s Central Coast Division, noting that fallen trees and branches impacted power lines at 182 locations across Monterey County during that time.

The $40 million substation is located on Figueroa Street next to the Monterey Sports Center. Once it goes online, the system is expected to power 10,500 customers, with room to grow, easing the load from PG&E’s two other substations along the Peninsula.

It will improve reliability along Cannery Row and Pacific Grove, McCarty said. In the event of an outage, power can be more easily distributed among the substations to lessen the time before the lights come back on, he added.

Due to PG&E work, the Monterey Sports Center will close early on Thursday, Jan. 22, reopening at 7:30am on Friday, Jan. 23. A 6:30pm Zumba class on Jan. 22 and 5:45am cycling class on Jan. 23 have been canceled, while the pool will open at 8am on Jan. 23.