Infrastructure and technological enhancements at the heart of reductions in potential utility-related wildfire risk and PSPS customer impacts
San Diego CA— San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), a recognized industry leader in wildfire safety, unveiled its wildfire mitigation and resiliency advancements in preparation for this year’s wildfire season. The advancements continue a decade-long commitment to strengthening the region against a dynamic climate that has brought on unprecedented high fire-threat conditions in recent years.
Infrastructure and technological enhancements continue to play a fundamental role in limiting the potential risk of utility-related wildfires and mitigating the impacts experienced during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). As a result of this year’s resiliency efforts like strategic undergrounding and an expanded generator grant program, SDG&E estimates that nearly 11,000 additional customers could benefit from reduced PSPS impacts, depending on the weather events experienced this year. In addition to building regional resiliency, this year’s growth in clean technology also contributes to the company’s sustainability goals.
“Nothing is more important than the continued safety and well-being of the communities we serve, as well as the preservation of our environment,” said Caroline Winn, chief executive officer for SDG&E. “We are working tirelessly to integrate new, innovative technologies to significantly decrease the PSPS impacts experienced by our customers and reduce utility-related wildfire risk, while also forging a path towards a more sustainable future.”
A wildfire risk analysis report published this year by the California Public Utilities Commissions Safety and Enforcement Division and conducted by Technosylva Inc. found that Public Safety Power Shutoffs carried out by SDG&E between October 10 and November 1, 2019, possibly prevented utility-related wildfires which could have had the potential to affect up to 34,471 people, damage 35,112 buildings and burn approximately 327,277 acres. The analysis examined 13 damage incidents identified by SDG&E using Technosylva’s Wildfire Analyst™ software, which provides a real-time analysis of wildfire behavior and a model simulation of potential wildfires based on multiple factors, including local topographic characteristics, weather factors, surface fuel types and vegetation moisture.
In addition to Public Safety Power Shutoffs and robust wildfire mitigation programs, advanced clean technology is a critical component of SDG&E’s resiliency efforts throughout the High Fire-Threat District (HFTD). Leading the way in this effort is a state-of-the art flow battery that will be integrated into the Cameron Corners microgrid to keep critical facilities and customers energized during a power shutoff. The flow battery will help store clean energy produced by local solar panels to help limit emissions and build greater regional resiliency.
SDG&E is also piloting a cutting-edge mobile power station to help support the needs of customers impacted by a PSPS. The mobile power station is a unique four-wheel drive vehicle with a 500kW set of lithium-ion batteries that will help keep critical customers energized during a power shutoff. The mobile clean-energy solution will also include charging ports for clean energy vehicles.
Additional enhancements and advancements this year include:
- Private Communications Network
A new private communications network is under development to support advanced protection systems, like falling conductor protection and high-speed relays, and enable more efficient system communications.
- Enhanced Infrastructure Hardening
More than 150 miles of overhead lines are planned to be hardened in 2021. Additionally, 25 miles of lines will be strategically undergrounded to help keep communities and critical customers energized during a power shutoff.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Training
SDG&E is launching a VR training program to help field workers run through different scenarios and learn how to quickly identify and efficiently respond to issues they may encounter in the field, including addressing potential wildfire risks.
- Weather and Situational Awareness Advancements
SDG&E is updating its weather network and will become the first in the state to include cameras that measure chlorophyl in vegetation and sensors that measure moisture content in brush. The network will also leverage the latest remote sensing capabilities of satellites to detect, alert and monitor wildfire activity from space. SDG&E also continues to use drones to evaluate the condition of our overhead electric distribution lines and equipment and other infrastructure in the highest fire threat areas.
- Generator Program Expansion
Medical Baseline customers who experienced a Public Safety Power Shutoff in 2020 have received or are being offered a portable renewable generator for future energy needs. Customers in the areas at greatest risk for wildfire have also been offered additional generator rebates.
- Expanded Community Partnerships
SDG&E has expanded its community partnership network with 2-1-1 San Diego and 2-1-1 Orange County, the American Red Cross, and the Inter-Tribal Long Term Recovery Foundation to disseminate critical wildfire preparedness information and helpful customer resources during a PSPS.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by currently providing around 45 percent of its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), an energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.