Unique conversations
Wildfire trackers and maps live on the internet, such that a simple search of North America will show many areas on fire right now. There are smoke maps too. Sadly, with increasing frequency, wildfires are too easy to find.
This is a huge issue in the energy and utilities industry, as utility companies have been found at fault in many instances, and even when natural causes like lightning occur, utility infrastructures are damaged. Financial liability can be massive and must be considered in an era of increased electric demand that also emphasizes affordability.
To find out where utilities go from here as these big issues surrounding wildfires are raging, Public Utilities Fortnightly brought together four leaders, three at utility companies and one regulator to discuss the latest information. Puget Sound Energy CEO Mary Kipp, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Chair Leo Asuncion, Pacific Power President Ryan Flynn, and Rocky Mountain Power President Dick Garlish had a lot to say on this important topic.
Wildfire articles at fortnightly.com:
