Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) deployed its fleet of gas detection vehicles this week to patrol the Eureka and Santa Rosa (Calif.) areas for methane leaks. The utility fit its fleet of Ford Explorers with anemometers to measure wind speed and work with sensors and computer software inside of the car to measure the amount of methane in the air.

The mounted anemometers are more sensitive than traditional equipment to identify natural gas leaks with enhanced precision and speed.

PG&E is currently working on its five-year leak survey and maintenance program in which its detection vehicles patrol the service area and the utility's crews use a streamlined repair process.