Wildfire Mitigation: Western Utilities Prepare – Others Lag

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New Database Tracks Wildfire Mitigation plans Amid Rising Risks

richland, Wash. – In response to the escalating threat of wildfires across the nation, The U.S.Department Of Energy (DOE) has launched a comprehensive online database containing approximately 400 wildfire mitigation plans from electric utility companies across 19 states. This initiative aims to enhance wildfire resilience and preparedness, especially in regions where utilities might potentially be underequipped to handle the growing danger.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), based in Richland, Washington, spearheaded the creation of this database.It serves as a vital resource for state legislators, regulators, and electric utility officials, offering tools to develop more effective strategies to combat and withstand the devastating impacts of increasingly severe wildfires.

Database Aims to Strengthen Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

André Coleman, PNNL Chief Scientist, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating in a June 10 announcement that wildfires are now a year-round national challenge. He noted the database empowers decision-makers at all levels to understand different mitigation approaches, identify effective strategies, address gaps, and foster collaboration for better solutions.

The public release of the Wildfire Mitigation Plans Database is especially timely, with wildfires becoming more frequent and intense, posing greater risks to power infrastructure, public safety, and financial resources, according to PNNL.

Did You Know? The DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, established in 2022, funded this effort to bolster critical power generation and enhance the national electricity grid’s resilience.

National Transmission Study Highlights reliability Concerns

In October 2023,the Grid Deployment Office issued a 294-page “National Transmission Needs Study,” highlighting the importance of improving wildfire reliability and resilience,particularly in California and the Western United States. The report warned that the Northwest and Southwest regions face risks of load curtailment during extreme weather events and wildfires, especially with their increasing reliance on variable energy resources.

PNNL estimates that wildfires cause annual costs ranging from $394 billion to $893 billion nationally, including up to $202 billion in electricity losses. power utilities, while responsible for about 10% of wildfire starts in the United States, account for roughly 19% of the average annual national burn area.

Regional Disparities in Wildfire Preparedness

A notable finding from the PNNL database is the relative lack of wildfire mitigation plans in the Eastern United States. The database can be searched by location, year, utility, or type.

The states with the most comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans include California (224 utility plans), oregon (87), and Washington (53), followed by Utah (19), Idaho (18), and Colorado (16).

Stanford University Report Urges Greater Utility Preparedness

A june report by Stanford University’s Stanford Climate and Energy Policy Program, titled “Wildfire: An updated look at Utility Risk and mitigation,” underscored the risks of wildfires ignited by electric utility infrastructure. The report noted that while Western states have made strides in developing wildfire utility mitigation plans, particularly among investor-owned utilities, the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires is increasing in previously low-risk areas.

The Stanford report cited multiple factors contributing to increased wildfire risk, including climate change-related weather shifts, historical fire suppression practices, and land use patterns that place vulnerable structures near fire-prone areas.

Investor-owned utilities in the Gulf Coast,Southeast,and Upper Midwest often lack adequate mitigation plans despite facing notable wildfire risks.

Recommendations for Utilities

Stanford researchers recognize the challenges faced by some utilities, such as rural electric cooperatives and publicly owned entities, in creating wildfire mitigation plans.Though, they emphasize the need for all electric utility officials and regulators to take proactive measures to safeguard power supplies and minimize the risk of infrastructure-related wildfires.

the report suggests prioritizing actions that reduce the likelihood of electric infrastructure igniting catastrophic fires, thereby protecting homes and communities and ensuring the sustainable advancement of the energy system. Mitigation programs should be practical, timely, efficient, and cost-effective, given that costs incurred by utilities are ultimately passed on to consumers.

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The threat of wildfires is escalating, impacting communities and critical infrastructure. Wildfire mitigation planning is no longer optional; it’s a necessity.This article dives into the proactive steps taken by Western utilities and contrasts them with the approaches – or lack thereof – of utilities in other regions. We will cover critical aspects of wildfire risk management, looking at preparedness, prevention, and resilience.

Understanding the Wildfire Threat and Utility Responsibilities

Wildfires pose significant risks to electrical infrastructure, leading to power outages, property damage, and even loss of life.Utilities have a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of their services. This starts with assessing all hazards. Those hazards include climate change challenges and the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires. Utility companies must adopt comprehensive mitigation strategies.

Key Components of Wildfire Mitigation

Effective wildfire mitigation involves a multi-faceted approach. Key areas of focus are:

• Vegetation Management: Clearing and maintaining vegetation near power lines to reduce fuel. This is an incredibly vital component for wildfire prevention.
• System Hardening: Upgrading equipment with fire-resistant materials and technologies.
• Risk Assessment and Monitoring: Implementing surveillance systems and analyzing fire weather patterns.
• Emergency response Planning: Developing and practicing protocols to respond quickly and effectively.

Western utilities: Leaders in Wildfire Preparedness

western utilities have borne the brunt of recent, devastating wildfires. Their proactive measures serve as a model for other regions. These companies are substantially investing in several crucial approaches.

Case Study: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)

PG&E has implemented a rigorous wildfire mitigation plan, which includes:

• Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS): These settings quickly shut off power in high-risk areas.
• Undergrounding Power Lines: Burying power lines in high-risk zones to minimize the potential for ignitions.
• Increased Inspections: More frequent and thorough inspections of power lines and equipment.

Other Western Utiities

Other examples of Western utilities include:

Utility	Key Mitigation Measures
Southern California Edison (SCE)	Expanded weather stations and drone inspections.
Rocky Mountain Power	aggressive vegetation management and fire-resistant poles.

Lagging Regions: Challenges and opportunities

While some utilities are leaders, others lag in implementing wildfire mitigation efforts. This can be due to a combination of factors including less frequent wildfires, budget constraints, and less stringent regulatory oversight.

Barriers to Implementation

• Funding Limitations: Securing adequate financial resources.
• Regulatory Delays: Navigating complex regulatory processes.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public on risks and solutions.

Opportunities for improvement

Utilities in lagging regions have considerable opportunities to improve their wildfire resilience. Some recommendations:

• Adopt Best Practices: Implement prosperous strategies seen in Western utilities.
• Collaborate: Work with other utilities, agencies, and wildfire experts.
• Secure Funding: Advocate for financial support and grants.
• Educate and Engage: Foster public understanding of wildfire threats and mitigation strategies.

Practical Tips for Enhancing Wildfire Mitigation

Enhancing wildfire mitigation benefits the entire organization. A comprehensive program needs to be implemented.

Actionable Steps for Utilities

• Create a Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Map high-risk areas.
• Develop a Vegetation Management Plan: Schedule trimming and clearing.
• Invest in Fire-Resistant Equipment: Upgrade transformers, poles and components.
• Implement a Real-Time Monitoring System: Utilize weather data and cameras.
• Conduct Regular Drills and Training: Practicing responses to fire events.

Benefits of Proactive Mitigation

• Enhanced Safety: Fewer ignitions and reduced risks to communities.
• Improved reliability: More robust grid resilience during wildfire seasons.
• Cost Savings: Reduced potential for significant damage and liability costs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting increasing safety standards.