As wildfire risk intensifies across many regions, utilities face growing pressure to implement proactive strategies that reduce ignition risk and protect their communities. In this on-demand panel session, Young Ngo, Chief Technology Officer at Survalent, moderates a discussion with Jordan Ambrogi, Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager at CORE Electric Cooperative, and Kevin Dimmet, Planner and Distribution Engineer at Mountain View Electric Association (Limon, Colorado).
Drawing from real-world experience in Colorado, the panel shares how their organizations approach wildfire mitigation as a critical operational and reputational risk. The discussion highlights:
- How CORE tracks ignition data to better understand root causes, including animal contact and equipment-related events
- Mountain View Electric Association’s focus on vegetation management and the replacement of expulsion fuses to reduce potential ignition sources
- The role of SCADA-enabled alternate relay settings during high-risk weather conditions
- Operational considerations around Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and the balance between reliability and risk reduction
- The use of satellite imagery, drone inspections, fault indicators, line sensors, and AI-enabled wildfire detection cameras to improve situational awareness
The session also addresses collaboration among utilities, lessons learned from field implementation, and audience questions related to red flag warnings, vegetation management coordination, and operational challenges.
Utilities seeking practical insights into wildfire mitigation strategies will gain valuable perspective from peers actively managing risk in high-exposure territories.