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Where Should a Utility Improve Tree Cutting to Reduce the Risk of Vegetation Coming into Contact with Power Lines?

Authors:
Vivian Sultan
Brian Hilton

Keywords: power failure; GIS model; Design-Science-Research; vegetation management

Abstract:
Utility systems have come under attack from storms, trees, squirrels, fires, and firearms. 2018 was particularly bad for outages from wildfires in California. Fallen trees or tree limbs caused approximately 50% of the total minutes of service interruptions in 2017. In 2018, wildfires burned millions of acres. Regulators have struck back against utility companies, imposing tens of millions of dollars in fines related to wildfires. One issue is that the grid has many poles and wires that are vulnerable to falling trees and flying debris. To reduce the risk of wildfire and keep customers safe, electric utilities need to accelerate their vegetation-management work. The idea is to reduce vegetation below and near power lines that could act as fuel in a wildfire, as an added layer of protection, and to enhance defensible space. This study aimed to address the question, “Where should a utility improve tree cutting and trimming initiatives to foster operational excellence and reduce the risk of vegetation coming into contact with power lines?” To answer the research question, Insights for ArcGIS (a Geographic Information System) was used to build worksheets using a geographic information-systems-based application aimed at resolving current challenges faced by utilities to reduce the risk of power outages. A case study was developed to demonstrate the risk scenario that entails a utility company taking action and preparing for the unexpected. An artifact in Insights for ArcGIS was created using a design-science-research methodology. This research proposes an elegant, interesting, and novel solution to aid in vegetation management. The artifact demonstrates that GIS can play an integral role in the problem resolution.

Pages: 44 to 50

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2019

Publication date: June 2, 2019

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-412X

ISBN: 978-1-61208-713-9

Location: Athens, Greece

Dates: from June 2, 2019 to June 6, 2019