How wildfires are changing the U.S. electric grid
Summary
Wildfires are causing utilities in the U.S. to redesign the electric grid to better resist fire damage. As wildfire seasons worsen, utilities are planning long-term upgrades, such as burying power lines and using microgrids, to make the grid more reliable and safer.Key Facts
- This year's wildfire season has more fires and burned acres than the average of the last 10 years.
- Utilities are using weather and wildfire data to guide where to invest in making the grid stronger.
- Burying power lines underground helps protect against wildfires and other disasters like hurricanes and storms.
- Old power infrastructure is a major problem that utilities must manage alongside building new systems.
- California was one of the first states to require utilities to publish wildfire resilience plans.
- Some utilities use microgrids to keep power running during wildfires by disconnecting parts of the grid.
- Utilities have spent billions on wildfire prevention and often must balance costs with safety improvements.
- Expanding and upgrading the U.S. electric grid includes efforts to build in more wildfire resilience.
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