Itron urges California utilities to prepare for El Niño disruptions

ITRI•2026-11-13

Itron urged California utilities to prepare for El Niño-related infrastructure disruptions, as NOAA forecasts a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event in fall and winter 2026-27.

1. Prepare for disruptions

Itron said California utilities face heightened operational risks from El Niño and should plan for widespread infrastructure disruption. Regional emergencies could constrain mutual assistance, restrict infrastructure access and make staging sites unavailable, while consecutive storms could strain crews and supplies for weeks.