PG&E Revolutionizing Utility Training with AR and VR & the Future Urban Substations in San Francisco

PG&E Revolutionizing Utility Training with AR and VR & the Future Urban Substations in San Francisco

by Shawn Adderly · View the channel on PSI

Applied Sciences & Engineering Economics & Finance KNBEnergy industries and utilitiesKNBLElectrical power generation and distribution industries
🎙 Shawn Adderly 👥 597 📅 September 26, 2026 ⏱ 26 min 👁 55 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-10-06
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

ARVRsubstationPG&EGIS

Summary

The video is a podcast interview with Shawn Adderly, Director of Substation Operations at PG&E, discussing how the utility is implementing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for workforce training. Adderly explains that traditional training methods take about a year to bring experienced journeymen up to speed, and PG&E is piloting AR glasses for on-the-job support and VR for initial virtual substation walkthroughs. The content also covers the challenges of urban substations in San Francisco, which are often multilevel and underground, requiring compact switchgear solutions. The conversation addresses the shift from SF6 gas to non-greenhouse gas alternatives in GIS, noting that these are slightly larger but still essential for tight footprints. The guest emphasizes the importance of investing in skilled workforce training to improve safety and reliability. The episode provides practical insights from a major utility’s perspective, though it is largely anecdotal and includes a sponsorship segment.

148 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of the information lies in its practical, real-world implementation details from a senior utility executive. The argumentation is based on hands-on experience and specific examples, such as using 360 imaging and CAD models for VR training, and the constraints of safety-rated eyewear for AR. However, the claims are not backed by quantitative data or rigorous studies, and the discussion includes promotional elements. The strength of the argumentation is moderate, as it relies on anecdotal evidence rather than systematic analysis.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is limited: the content is an interview, not a peer-reviewed study, and the guest is a company representative. The sources are primarily the guest’s own experience, and the video is sponsored by Dynamic Ratings, which introduces a potential bias. The title accurately reflects the content, covering both the AR/VR training initiative and the future of urban substations. Overall, the video is informative but not scientifically rigorous.

165 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: the interview covers PG&E's AR/VR training initiatives and urban substation challenges. It is slightly broad but matches well.

Quality & Reliability

6/10

Interview with a domain expert at a major utility, providing practical insights on AR/VR training and substation design. However, the content is anecdotal and partially sponsored, limiting its scientific rigor.

Chapters

Cited Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The video contributes original insights into how a major utility is piloting AR/VR for training and addressing urban substation constraints. It highlights specific challenges such as safety-rated AR glasses and custom modeling for legacy equipment. This practical perspective is valuable for industry practitioners, though it does not present new research.

Pour aller plus loin :

89 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows moderate scores across all dimensions, with the highest being quantity of information (7) and the lowest being quality and reliability (6). This indicates a balanced but not exceptionally rigorous content, typical of an expert interview with practical insights but limited empirical backing.

Reliability 6/10