So-called "de-energizing" is arguably the best infrastructure fix the state currently has for wildfire.
|
|
After de-energizing the power line, officials were able to rescue Koskovich, who was the aircraft's lone occupant.
|
|
After such a devastating stretch of fires, the idea of temporarily shutting down or "de-energizing" the grid is gaining traction.
|
|
"De-energizing is an important tool to protect the safety of the communities we serve," SDG&E spokesperson Christy Ihrig told CNBC.
|
|
De-energizing the electrical grid is a bludgeon: imprecise, with enormous potential for collateral damage as people deal with a darkened world.
|
|
"De-energizing power lines may be necessary as a last resort to avert devastating utility-caused wildfires," Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said in a news release.
|
|
Improved infrastructure and preparedness, like de-energizing the power grid, are important steps, but we need a concerted effort at the local, state and federal levels.
|
|
"Our first priority is public safety, and crews are busy grounding and de-energizing downed lines so they don't pose a danger to first responders or the public," said Gail Rice, the utility spokeswoman.
|
|
"De-energizing power lines may be necessary as a last resort to avert devastating utility caused wildfires," California Public Utilities Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said last week after the regulator approved wildfire mitigation plans for power companies.
|
|
It would require enough interested people with the start-up costs and free time, willing and able to set up their own energy systems—because of wanting to avoid inconvenient de-energizing episodes, or just because they want to lower their bills.
|
|
"Even though PG&E knew that its infrastructure was aging, unsafe, and vulnerable to weather and environmental conditions, it failed to fulfill these duties, and failed to take preventative measures in the face of known high-risk weather conditions, such as de-energizing its electrical equipment," the lawsuit states.
|
|
A video describing the dangers of arc flashes and measures that can be taken to reduce risk to workers There are many methods of protecting personnel from arc flash hazards. This can include personnel wearing arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) or modifying the design and configuration of electrical equipment. The best way to remove the hazards of an arc flash is to de-energize electrical equipment when interacting with it, however de- energizing electrical equipment is in and of itself an arc flash hazard. In this case, one of the newest solutions is to allow the operator to stand far back from the electrical equipment by operating equipment remotely, this is called remote racking.
|
|
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total 1,738 accidents occurred due to contact with electric current between 2003 and 2010 and out of that 849, the highest number of electrical fatalities occurred in the construction industry. Five occupations from the construction industry- electricians, roofers, painters, carpenters, and construction laborers account for more than 32% of all electrical fatalities. Improper grounding, wet conditions, damaged tools and equipment, inadequate wiring, exposed electrical parts, overhead power lines and overloaded circuits are the common electrical hazards which found on construction sites. Electrical injuries are preventable through safe work practices like keeping electrical tools properly maintained, de-energizing electrical appliances before inspection or repair, and exercising caution when working near energized lines.
|
|
A linesman working for Country Energy in Australia closing a circuit using a hot stick In the electric power distribution industry, a hot stick is an insulated pole, usually made of fiberglass, used by electric utility workers when engaged on live-line working on energized high-voltage electric power lines, to protect them from electric shock. Depending on the tool attached to the end of the hot stick, it is possible to test for voltage, tighten nuts and bolts, apply tie wires (twisted lengths of ductile wire which fasten the running cable to its supporting insulators), open and close switches, replace fuses, lay insulating sleeves on wires, and perform various other tasks while not exposing the crew to a large risk of electric shock. Hot sticks are made in different lengths, from simple sticks to telescoping models. Because the fiberglass provides electrical insulation, the hot stick allows utility workers to perform operations on power lines safely without de-energizing them or while the state of the power line is not yet known.
|
|