They're Baaaa-ck: SDGE Deploys 300 Goats in San Diego, Launches Instagram to Spotlight Wildfire Prevention Measures

Rhea-AI Summary

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) has launched a new Instagram account @thegoatsdge while deploying 300 goats for wildfire prevention, combining ecological solutions with digital engagement. The goats serve as environmentally friendly vegetation managers, clearing flammable materials from transmission corridors while promoting soil health and native vegetation growth. SDGE's comprehensive wildfire mitigation program, which has prevented major utility-related catastrophic fires for 17 years, includes a Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center, sophisticated weather networks with AI integration, and extensive grid resilience measures including 315 miles of strategic undergrounding and 1,600 fire-resistant poles. The initiative showcases SDGE's innovative approach to wildfire prevention, combining traditional ecological methods with cutting-edge technology.

Positive

• 17-year track record without major utility-related catastrophic wildfires demonstrates effective risk management
• Comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy combining ecological solutions (goats) with advanced technology (AI, weather networks)
• Completed significant infrastructure improvements including 315 miles of undergrounding and 1,600 fire-resistant poles
• Environmentally friendly approach using goats reduces need for herbicides and heavy machinery while promoting soil health

Negative

• None.

SAN DIEGO, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) is combining hooves-on-the-ground innovation with digital storytelling by launching a new Instagram account, @thegoatsdge, to spotlight its wildfire prevention efforts, just as 300 goats paraded through a San Diego neighborhood to their next grazing site. The event, which drew enthusiastic community support, is part of SDGE's broader wildfire mitigation strategy, using goats to clear flammable vegetation from transmission corridors while now also engaging the public year-round through a novel, behind-the-scenes social media platform.

The goats serve as environmentally friendly "vegetation managers," adept at navigating steep and rugged terrain that is less accessible to humans or machinery. As they graze, they consume invasive plant species and their seeds, while naturally fertilizing soil. This process not only reduces erosion but also promotes regrowth of native vegetation. Since 2021, these herds have cleared thousands of high-risk acres across San Diego County.

"Our goats may be a visible symbol of our wildfire prevention strategy, but they represent just one element of SDGE's comprehensive, multi-layered approach for community safety and grid resilience," said Brian D'Agostino, vice president of wildfire and climate science at SDGE. "Our record of 17 years without a major utility-related catastrophic wildfire reflects our collective measures to protect the region and continue providing our customers with safe, reliable service, today and into the future."

Why goats?

• Their grazing activity enhances soil health by increasing nitrogen levels, fostering more resilient ecosystems. By replacing herbicides and heavy machinery, goats contribute to both environmental protection and infrastructure safety.
• Unlike mechanical or chemical methods, goats clear flammable vegetation without generating sparks or runoff, making them ideal for use near homes and sensitive habitats.

Follow Our Goats on Social Media
To further spotlight the importance of emergency preparedness, wildfire safety, and sustainable grazing, SDGE launched a dedicated Instagram account to share the goats' ongoing contributions: @thegoatsdge. Follow their journey as they provide wildfire prevention and safety tips year-round. 

Wildfire Mitigation Leadership: A 17-Year Record
SDGE's comprehensive wildfire mitigation program integrates cutting-edge technology, ecological solutions and community collaboration to help reduce wildfire risk. The program includes:

• Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center: One of the most technologically advanced centers in the industry, it serves as a hub for research, development and implementation of innovative solutions. The center combines AI and predictive modeling with emergency response coordination to facilitate swift and integrated action against regional threats.
• AI and Weather Intelligence: Operates one of the nation's most sophisticated utility-owned weather networks, applies machine learning to predict weather and better understand fire potential and utilizes a full-time utility meteorology team.
• Grid Resilience: Completed more than 315 miles of strategic undergrounding, installed 1,600 fire-resistant poles and conducted more than 10,000 miles of advanced LiDAR inspections, enhancing reliability and safety for our communities.

Community Roots, National Impact
Residents of San Diego neighborhood Clairemont Mesa gathered to cheer as the goats made their way through the neighborhood, escorted by SDGE employees and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel.

"These goats are nature's wildfire prevention team, clearing brush in hard-to-reach places and helping us decrease our year-round fire risk," said San Diego Fire-Rescue's Fire Information Officer, Capt. Jason Shanley. "We love that we get to work with the real 'G.O.A.T's of the fire service, and we are grateful for their partnership and hard work to help us keep the community safe and preserve the environment!"

As wildfire seasons intensify nationwide, SDGE's innovative approaches, from deploying goats to leveraging AI and advanced technologies, are influencing industry practices throughout the energy sector. 

About SDGE
SDGE is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDGE is a recognized leader in its industry and community, as demonstrated by being named Corporate Partner of the Year at the San Diego Business Journal's Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards and receiving PA Consulting's ReliabilityOne^® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance for 19 consecutive years. SDGE is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. For more information, visit SDGEtoday.com or connect with SDGE on social media @SDGE.

 

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE)

FAQ

How many goats does SDGE use for wildfire prevention in San Diego?

SDGE deploys 300 goats as part of their wildfire prevention strategy in San Diego to clear flammable vegetation from transmission corridors.

What is SDGE's track record for preventing utility-related wildfires?

SDGE has maintained a 17-year record without a major utility-related catastrophic wildfire through their comprehensive mitigation program.

How does SDGE's goat grazing program benefit the environment?

The goats naturally clear vegetation, consume invasive species, fertilize soil, reduce erosion, and promote native vegetation growth without using herbicides or machinery.

What infrastructure improvements has SDGE implemented for wildfire prevention?

SDGE has completed over 315 miles of strategic undergrounding, installed 1,600 fire-resistant poles, and conducted more than 10,000 miles of advanced LiDAR inspections.

What technology does SDGE use for wildfire prevention?

SDGE operates one of the nation's most sophisticated utility-owned weather networks, uses AI and predictive modeling, and maintains a Wildfire and Climate Resilience Center for research and emergency response.