Abstract
Statement of Problem
Wildfires in California pose severe environmental, economic, and social risks, exacerbated by utility infrastructure failures such as malfunctioning power lines and equipment. This necessitates the development and implementation of advanced wildfire mitigation strategies and technologies.
Sources of Data
The analysis and conclusions are based on reports and case studies from regulatory bodies like the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), utilities such as PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE, and research institutions like Texas A&M, EPRI, and others, focusing on technologies like Distribution Fault Anticipation (DFA), Early Fault Detection (EFD), and Aclara sensors.
Conclusions Reached
The integration of advanced technologies such as DFA, EFD, Aclara line sensors, and AMI systems, alongside approaches like Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and power line
undergrounding, enables California utilities to proactively mitigate wildfire risks. These measures enhance grid reliability, reduce ignition sources, and foster a safer, more sustainable energy infrastructure.