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As wildfires, such as the devastating Maui fires of 2023, continue to blaze across the globe, their devastating impact on communities, ecosystems, and our climate is undeniable. But in the face of this growing crisis, there is hope. I want to shed light on the critical role the utilities are playing in wildfire mitigation and share insights into the positive changes taking place in our fight against these infernos.
As an environmental engineer, my journey into the realm of wildfire mitigation includes the installation of one of the effective tools you may have heard about called PSPS, which stands for public safety power shut off. We installed a very intricate switching system in California for the largest utility there in the aftermath of the 2018 wildfires.
This system allows for sectionalizing the grid such that it could de-energize certain power poles in areas with high voltage transmission lines and the highest fire risk areas (Tier 2 [elevated fire risk] and Tier 3 [extreme fire risk]) when a trinity of three factors make fire a high risk: ambient temperature, percent of humidity and wind speed. This practice ensures that in the event of fire risk, these poles won't ignite fire. Among other technologies and methods I'll outline here, this is a valuable tool in the pocket of the utilities.
Using PSPS means that the electric utility has upgraded their devices to be equipped with SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) to minimize de-energization impacts and allow for increased targeting of the PSPS program: the utilities do not have to shut down the power of an entire city and the community emergency departments can work together to ensure denizens are evacuated and the fire department has the tools they need to mitigate fire spread.
The SCADA system is one of the solutions available for remote data acquisition, monitoring, and control systems when covering large geographical areas. This would allow for configuring areas that can be isolated from the broader grid and energized/de-energized by mobile generation during PSPS events.
Utilities Tech Making Waves
It's important to understand that community infrastructure needs to be continually optimized for safety and emergency response needs. I built a company that supports the utilities work in this area, providing wildfire mitigation solutions, so we've witnessed firsthand the dedication and investment that these organizations are putting into curbing the wildfire crisis.
Here are some of the technologies and initiatives being employed and why it's essential for communities to support these efforts.
• Advanced Weather Forecasting: Utilities are harnessing the power of technology to predict and respond to wildfire conditions. Advanced weather forecasting systems, coupled with artificial intelligence, enable utilities to identify high-risk areas and preemptively shut off power when necessary. This not only can prevent electrical equipment from sparking fires during extreme weather conditions but can also protect communities from being vulnerable to rapidly spreading wildfires. For instance, next-generation wildfire situation awareness intelligence platforms can help fire authorities, as well as utilities, respond to wildfires before they are destructive.
• Grid Modernization: Utilities are investing heavily in grid modernization and hardening efforts with improved engineering, system design, standards, equipment, and facilities, such as undergrounding, insulation of distribution wires, and pole replacement, as well as replacing equipment with more resilient and fire-resistant alternatives. Smart grid technologies allow for real-time monitoring and control, helping utilities respond more effectively to potential fire threats.
• Vegetation Management: Utilities use innovative vegetation management practices, such as drones equipped with infrared cameras, automated tree-trimming equipment, and even mapping the exact type of vegetation in an area and the known growth rates, to continually reduce vegetation-related risks to electric distribution facilities.
• Financial Commitment: Utilities across the nation are dedicating substantial resources to wildfire mitigation. In California alone, utilities have invested billions of dollars in enhancing wildfire prevention and response measures.These investments are driven by a desire to proactively address the issue and protect their communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
Community Support Matters
Supporting the efforts of utilities in mitigating wildfires is not only crucial but a shared responsibility. Here are three ways in which communities can contribute to this vital cause:
• Stay Informed: Educate yourself and your neighbors about wildfire risks and safety measures. Many fire departments have wildfire experts who will, for free, assess your property and make specific recommendations about how to harden your home or commercial building. Stay informed about public safety shutoffs and evacuation plans. The utilities have robust communication programs from texting, email, and even U.S. mail programs. Proactively sign up to be included. Lastly, meet with your neighbors to determine how to act in times of crisis and enroll your neighbors to all agree on a plan of action.
• Collaborate: Engage with local utility companies and participate in community outreach programs. These organizations often organize workshops and training sessions on wildfire safety.
• Advocate for Funding: Support policies and initiatives that allocate funding to wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Encourage your local and national representatives to prioritize this issue, ensuring that utilities have the necessary resources to combat wildfires effectively.
Wrapping Up
Wildfires are a harsh reality of our changing climate, but we are not powerless in the face of this challenge. Look to your utilities and community services as an advanced place of wildfire intelligence you can use to better the next outcome. Their efforts can only reach their full potential with the support and involvement of the communities they serve. Together, we can reduce ignition potential, reduce fire spread, and reduce the PSPS impacts.
As we move toward a warmer climate, we can, together, turn the tide on wildfires and protect our communities, environment, and the future of our planet. It's a challenge we must embrace collectively, and the time to act is now.