In a pivotal meeting held on July 29, 2025, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety in California spotlighted the wildfire mitigation strategies of PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, and other key players in the energy sector. The discussions centered on the implementation of advanced technologies for equipment inspections and vegetation management, crucial for enhancing safety in high fire threat areas.

PacifiCorp outlined its comprehensive approach to wildfire mitigation, emphasizing four core categories: long-term risk assessment, situational awareness, operational practices, and system resilience. With approximately 63% of its service area classified as high fire threat districts, the utility is prioritizing risk modeling to inform inspection strategies and vegetation management. This proactive stance aims to minimize ignition risks and enhance system reliability.

Key innovations discussed included the use of drone technology for inspections. PacifiCorp has integrated drones into its standard inspection protocols, allowing for more thorough assessments of hard-to-reach areas. The utility is also exploring the potential for beyond visual line-of-sight drone operations, pending FAA approvals, which could significantly expand inspection capabilities.

Additionally, infrared inspections are being utilized to detect equipment overheating, a critical factor in preventing wildfires. These inspections are conducted by licensed thermographers, particularly in high fire threat areas, to identify thermal anomalies that may require immediate corrective actions.

On the vegetation management front, PacifiCorp is piloting satellite remote sensing technologies to enhance its inspection processes. This initiative aims to identify vegetation encroachment and assess tree health, which are vital for mitigating wildfire risks. The results from this pilot project, expected in September, will inform future strategies for integrating remote sensing into broader vegetation management practices.

The meeting underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in these initiatives, as utilities collaborate with public safety partners and regulatory bodies to bolster wildfire prevention efforts. As these technologies evolve, they promise to enhance operational efficiencies and improve safety measures across the service territories of these utilities.