Utility implements unified aerial and ground inspections to enhance fire risk management

On May 24, 2025, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety in California convened a workshop focused on the 2026-2028 Base Wildfire Mitigation Plan. The meeting highlighted critical strategies for enhancing wildfire risk management through improved inspection protocols and data-driven decision-making.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the integration of ground and aerial inspections for both distribution and transmission lines. The initiative aims to streamline inspection processes by conducting simultaneous assessments, particularly for high-risk structures. This year, a pilot program will test unified inspections for certain transmission poles, combining both ground and aerial evaluations to enhance efficiency and thoroughness.

The workshop also detailed the criteria for selecting inspection intervals based on risk assessments. Areas classified as severe risk will undergo annual inspections, with the most critical structures receiving biannual evaluations. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that potential hazards are identified and addressed promptly, thereby safeguarding communities from wildfire threats.

In addition to inspection strategies, the meeting emphasized the importance of using inspection findings to inform operational decisions. For instance, if a damaged asset is identified, it may influence Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) criteria, allowing for quicker responses to mitigate risks. The integration of inspection data into probability models further enhances the utility of these findings, creating a feedback loop that informs future inspections and risk management strategies.

The discussions also touched on seasonal considerations for wildfire risk. The fire science team evaluates fuel conditions to identify areas of concern during the summer and fall, where the potential for self-propagating fires or wind-driven fires is heightened. This seasonal analysis allows for accelerated maintenance in high-risk areas, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to reduce fire risks.

Overall, the workshop underscored a comprehensive approach to wildfire mitigation, combining advanced inspection techniques with data-driven decision-making. As California continues to face increasing wildfire threats, these strategies are crucial for protecting communities and ensuring the reliability of energy infrastructure. The next steps will involve implementing the pilot programs and refining inspection protocols based on ongoing evaluations and findings.