Enhancing the Modern Grid for Resiliency
by Terry Nielsen:
Utilities have focused on grid modernization for more than a decade. Modern technologies can significantly enhance resilience, especially during wildfires. Strengthening the grid in the wildfire era is critical to surviving escalating environmental threats.
Utilities typically use the following strategies to build a smarter grid:
- Installing advanced or smart meters
- Establishing high-speed connectivity to support widespread use of remote sensors
- Implementing modern control center software to optimize grid performance
The goals of these upgrades include lowering costs, improving reliability, integrating more renewable energy, and enhancing customer satisfaction. However, even with these noble goals, system operators may unintentionally make trade-offs that weaken grid resiliency.
For example, PG&E has adopted a practice of shutting off power during high fire-risk conditions. While this reduces the chance of wildfires, it decreases system reliability. Additionally, when faults occur, operators often attempt to restore power automatically. If the problem is not temporary, this can result in sparks from fallen wires or dangerous fuse discharges. This approach prioritizes reliability over resilience, which can be risky in wildfire-prone areas.
Although fuse-clearing methods reduce outage time and speed up service restoration, they compromise safety. As a result, utilities must think carefully about how to manage the grid during wildfire events.
New technologies like phasor measurement units, grid optimization algorithms, low-cost sensors, and wireless fault indicators have shown promise. Many of these innovations have been funded by industry and the Department of Energy (DOE). Utilities can use them to improve grid resilience.
To do this effectively, they must upgrade distribution management systems, deploy mobile data systems, and expand sensor coverage. They should also leverage the communication networks already used for smart meters and remote monitoring.
San Diego Gas and Electric recently demonstrated a wildfire-ready system. Using smart grid tools and new sensors, they were able to detect a falling conductor and shut it off in less than a second—before it hit the ground.
In short, widespread adoption of these technologies is essential. A resilient modernized grid is no longer optional in the wildfire era. It’s a necessity for safe, sustainable, and reliable power delivery.
