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Wildfire Mitigation Tools

Northern Lights (NLI) Deploys New Technology To Combat Wildfire Risk

Northern Lights Lineworker Dan Wanous uses the co-op’s proprietary application to inspect a power line. Photo by Kristin Burge

Wildfire mitigation solutions are rapidly evolving in the electric utility industry. Northern Lights is using new tools and technology to increase wildfire mitigation efforts.

NLI uses a satellite vegetation analytics provider to capture images around overhead power lines. The imagery is processed through an artificial intelligence model to provide NLI information on how close vegetation is to power lines, highlight hazards and dying trees, and help prioritize areas for trimming. This tool has been invaluable for our vegetation management efforts related to wildfire mitigation.

As part of a wildfire grant consortium, NLI receives wildfire hazard potential modeling tools. These tools take several inputs—including weather forecasts, terrain, and structural density—to develop a forecast hazard score overlaid with NLI’s power lines. These tools will be used to inform real-time operational planning decisions and guide long-term project planning for mitigation-based projects.

NLI lineworkers use a tablet application, developed internally, to perform line inspections. This tool allows crews to capture photos, collect field information, and document any deficiencies found on NLI’s lines that may need follow-up attention. Inspection data and repair tracking can be viewed internally on a Geographic Information System-based map.

These inspections and data help NLI mitigate wildfires. If we can address a problem early, it could reduce possible outages and the potential for a wildfire.

NLI will continue to evaluate and implement new tools and technologies, when feasible, to help reduce the chances of the co-op’s electric system causing a wildfire ignition.

Kristin MettkeNorthern Lights Engineering & Operations Manager Kristin Mettke is an electrical engineer and has worked in the electric utility industry for most of her career.