#37: Predicting Weather Conditions to Mitigate the Risk of Wildfires

In this episode, we will expand our discussion from an earlier episode about fire mitigation at electrical utilities. As the typical fire season has grown longer in many parts of the world, so-called fire-weather forecasting supported with advanced data intelligence is helping electrical utilities effectively plan their response before wildfires start and spread.

Guest experts Renny Vandewege, Vice President of Weather Operations at DTN, and Denton McGregor, Senior Reliability Center Manager at Black Hills Energy, describe how electrical utilities have typically dealt with forecasted weather conditions in the past to estimate the risk of wildfires.

They also discuss how more comprehensive forecasting tools, such as fire-weather intelligence based on real-time and historical data and a risk planning index, have become essential to help electrical utilities take the guesswork out of predicting and preparing for potential wildfires and allocating resources where needed.

Also of interest: Earlier in our Episode Number 30 about fire mitigation at electrical utilities, our guest experts describe how the use of line control devices, such as reclosures, and the regular reliability testing thereof, enable technicians to respond quickly to downed power lines and avoid sparks in dry, windy conditions. Don't miss it: 👉 Preventing Disaster : Wildfire Mitigation at Electric Utilities

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