AXIOS (Rebecca Falconer) - How wildfires are changing the U.S. electric grid
Years of destructive fires are forcing utilities to prioritize wildfire resilience as they plan the next generation of the U.S. electric grid. Why it matters: Utilities aren't just expanding the electric grid — they're designing it to withstand a more fire-prone climate . - This year's wildfire season is exceeding the 10-year average for both the number of fires and acres burned. The big picture: The U.S. is embarking on one of the biggest grid expansions in decades just as wildfire risk is becoming a defining challenge for utilities. Today's planning decisions may determine how resilient tomorrow's grid becomes. - Utilities are combining weather models, wildfire behavior, infrastructure data and population impacts to help…
What are public safety power shutoffs and why are they implemented?
Utilities across the West conduct public safety power shutoffs to prevent catastrophic fires, opting for a short-term power outage instead of the risk of a massive fire, according to Nadia Panossian.
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What specific company emerged from bankruptcy due to liabilities related to the Camp Fire?
PG&E emerged from bankruptcy following liabilities related to the Camp Fire.
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What are the potential benefits and challenges of undergrounding power lines?
Undergrounding, or burying power lines, can improve resilience against hurricanes, winter storms, and other hazards; however, Seth Guikema, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Michigan, notes that such investments can be cost prohibitive.
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How does the current wildfire season compare to historical averages?
This year's wildfire season is exceeding the 10-year average for both the total number of fires and the number of acres burned.
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What methods are utilities using to prioritize their investments in wildfire resilience?
According to Nadia Panossian, an electrical engineering researcher at the National Laboratory of the Rockies, utilities are combining weather models, wildfire behavior, infrastructure data, and population impacts to prioritize these investments.
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How are wildfires currently impacting the operation of the U.S. power system?
Wildfires disrupt the power system by damaging equipment, forcing utilities to implement power cuts, and reducing solar generation when smoke blocks sunlight.
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