PG&E powerhouse celebrates 100 years in the Northstate

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Community members, PG&E leaders, employees and former employees gathered at the Pit One Powerhouse Friday morning to celebrate a century of it producing power.

When it was first turned on in 1922, 220,000 volts of electricity were sent to a substation 202 miles away, in Vacaville, which, at the time, was the longest and highest-voltage transmission power line in the world.

Flipping the switch not only began a new century for PG&E, but Jan Nimick, vice president of power generation, said it also marked the start of 100 years of tradition for this local community that revolved around this powerhouse.

“I talked to community members who tell me they learned to swim here," Nimick said. “We used to have a swimming pool here. The people who work in PG&E hydro, their kids go to school here, they’re soccer coaches, they serve on the school boards. They are deeply embedded in this community and a vital part of this community. ”

PG&E leaders gave speeches about the history of the plant and it’s meaning to the community. They also tested the pressure relief valves at the powerhouse resulting in gushing waves of water, a testament to its timelessness and meaning to the community.

“The physical infrastructure has provided electricity to light people’s home’s to drive their machines to improve the quality of life for over a century,” Nimick said. “It’s been terrific. We’ve been part of the community.”

PG&E presented Shasta County Associate Superintendent, Mike Freeman, with a $50,000 check to be designated for Burney and Fall River school’s stem education. Nimick said STEM is essential to PG&E and future students.

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