Molly Ayala
Fallen power lines have been responsible for some of the deadliest wildfires in history, with utility companies facing bankruptcy as a result. To prevent fires, utility companies have started shutting down power lines, especially during high winds. Burying power lines has also been proposed as a solution, with Pacific Gas and Electric moving 10,000 miles of power lines in fire-prone areas underground. While this is an effective solution, it is also very expensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventive measure | Shutting down power lines |
| Burying power lines | |
| Reason | Fallen power lines are believed to be responsible for some of the deadliest wildfires |
| High winds can cause power lines to fall | |
| Pros of burying power lines | Effective way to prevent wildfires |
| Reduces ignition risk | |
| Cons of burying power lines | Very expensive |
| Pros of shutting down power lines | No chance of ignition |
| Cons of shutting down power lines | Inconvenient and risky for some |
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What You'll Learn
Burying power lines underground reduces ignition risk
Fallen power lines are believed to be responsible for some of the deadliest wildfires in the United States. For example, in 2018, PG&E's equipment sparked the deadly Camp Fire in California, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people. As a result, the company filed for bankruptcy and announced an extensive plan to move power lines underground.
Undergrounding power lines is an effective way to prevent wildfires, as there is no chance of ignition if there is no voltage or current on the line. Recognizing the benefits of this strategy, utility companies in several states have begun to implement power shutoffs in high-risk situations. For instance, PG&E has been conducting Public Safety Power Shutoffs in California since 2019, and San Diego Gas & Electric plans to underground about 1,450 miles of power lines by 2031.
However, burying power lines is a costly and ambitious project. PG&E's plan to start by undergrounding 2,100 miles of power lines through 2026 is expected to cost about $5.9 billion. The high cost of undergrounding is due to the extensive construction work required to dig trenches and bury the lines.
Despite the expense, undergrounding can be a worthwhile investment in the long run. The potential reduction in wildfire risk can save lives and prevent the destruction of communities. Additionally, undergrounding can provide protection against other natural disasters such as hurricanes and winter storms, as recognized by Florida Power and Light and Austin Energy.
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Shutting down power lines prevents ignition
Fallen power lines are believed to be responsible for some of the deadliest wildfires in the US. For instance, in 2018, PG&E's equipment sparked the deadly Camp Fire in California, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people. As a result, utility companies have started shutting down power lines in advance of high-wind warnings to prevent wildfires.
Line Roald, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains the rationale behind shutting down power lines: "if there is no voltage and no current on the line, there is no chance of this release of energy happening and then there is no chance of an ignition." This strategy has been implemented by PG&E through Public Safety Power Shutoffs in California since 2019, affecting millions of people.
While shutting down power lines can be effective in preventing ignition and reducing the risk of wildfires, it also has its challenges and drawbacks. In Colorado, for instance, an investigation into a power shut-off found issues with communication and the loss of electricity, which can be highly risky and inconvenient for certain businesses and individuals.
Underground power lines are another strategy to prevent wildfires. Utility companies like San Diego Gas & Electric and Florida Power and Light are working on plans to underground thousands of miles of power lines. While this approach is effective, it is also very expensive. PG&E's plan to underground 10,000 miles of power lines in fire-prone areas is estimated to cost about $5.9 billion.
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Undergrounding is cheaper than dealing with wildfires
Undergrounding power lines is an effective way to prevent wildfires. While it is an expensive process, it is still cheaper than dealing with the costs of deadly wildfires. The nation's largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), is working towards moving 10,000 miles of power lines in fire-prone areas underground, which would significantly reduce ignition risk. PG&E's equipment has been responsible for sparking wildfires in the past, including the deadly Camp Fire in California, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people. The liabilities from this fire drove the utility into bankruptcy.
Undergrounding power lines is a costly process, but it is a one-time investment that eliminates the risk of ignition from an overhead power line. The alternative of shutting down power lines completely can be disruptive, affecting millions of people. In addition, if a utility company is found liable for a wildfire, it may not have enough money to pay off residents' damage claims. For example, Hawaiian Electric is facing criticism and potentially massive costs for not shutting off power in advance of high wind warnings during the Maui wildfires, which killed at least 98 people.
San Diego Gas & Electric has a similar plan to PG&E's, aiming to underground about 1,450 miles of power lines through 2031. Florida Power and Light is also undergrounding select lines for hurricane protection. Austin Energy is exploring undergrounding after a winter ice storm caused weeks-long outages, and the federal government has pledged to provide $95 million to Maui to harden its electric grid, which could include undergrounding lines.
Undergrounding is just one of the many layers of protection that can reduce wildfire risk. Other measures include managing vegetation to ensure it grows a safe distance from power lines, employing weather stations and cameras to detect extreme weather and wildfires, and utilizing enhanced power line safety settings. While undergrounding may be expensive, the urgency of climate change and the increasing intensity of wildfires make it a necessary investment.
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Power shutoffs can be problematic
Power shutoffs can also have economic repercussions. Gas stations, for example, require electricity to operate, and their shutdown during an outage can lead to fuel shortages. Power shutoffs can also impact businesses and individuals financially, as they may incur costs associated with lost productivity, spoiled food, or additional expenses for alternative power sources. Moreover, power shutoffs can cause disruptions to daily life and essential services. For instance, schools and businesses may be forced to close, and residents may experience challenges in maintaining food supplies, accessing transportation, or obtaining necessary services.
In addition, power shutoffs can disproportionately affect certain communities or vulnerable populations. Low-income households or marginalized communities may have limited access to alternative power sources or the financial means to cope with extended outages. Power shutoffs can also impact critical infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, communication systems, or transportation networks, leading to further disruptions and challenges in providing essential services to the public.
Lastly, power shutoffs can be controversial and lead to legal consequences for utility companies. In the past, utility companies have been sued and faced bankruptcy due to downed power lines that sparked deadly wildfires. There is a delicate balance between preventing wildfires and ensuring that power shutoffs do not cause undue harm to communities. As a result, utility companies must carefully evaluate the risks and make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected.
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Undergrounding is an expensive project
Undergrounding power lines is an effective way to prevent forest fires. However, it is also an expensive project. The nation's largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), has an ambitious goal to move 10,000 miles of power lines in fire-prone areas underground, which would greatly reduce ignition risk. PG&E's plan is estimated to cost about $5.9 billion. This is because undergrounding costs a lot of money and requires a large upfront investment. As Morsony and Daniel Kirschen, a professor of power and energy systems at the University of Washington, explain, utility companies are incentivized to undertake these expensive projects because they earn a guaranteed rate of return on capital investments. This is how they make money, rather than through the sale of electricity or gas.
Undergrounding is so expensive that it can even drive utility companies into bankruptcy. For example, PG&E filed for bankruptcy after its equipment sparked the deadly Camp Fire in California, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people. The liabilities from this disaster were massive. Similarly, Hawaiian Electric, the utility company that was found liable for the Maui wildfires that killed at least 98 people, may not have enough money to pay off residents' damage claims.
While undergrounding is expensive, it is important to consider the massive costs of deadly wildfires. In addition, shutting off power lines to prevent fires, another option for reducing ignition risk, can be highly disruptive. Millions of people in California were affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs implemented by PG&E since 2019.
Despite the high costs, some utility companies and governments are still exploring undergrounding. For instance, San Diego Gas & Electric plans to underground about 1,450 miles of power lines through 2031, and the federal government has pledged to provide $95 million to Maui to harden its electric grid, which could include undergrounding lines.
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Frequently asked questions
Fallen power lines are believed to be responsible for some of the deadliest wildfires. Cutting electricity by shutting down power lines can prevent the release of energy and ignition, thus reducing the risk of fire.
In California, PG&E has been implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs since 2019, affecting millions of people. In Colorado, Xcel implemented a power shut-off to prevent forest fires.
While shutting off electricity can help prevent forest fires, it can also cause problems and inconvenience, especially in areas where a loss of electricity is highly risky.
