The NASEO Annual Meeting, held from September 29 to October 2, 2024, in New York City, addressed pressing issues facing the energy sector, particularly in the context of wildfire mitigation. One of the breakout sessions, titled “The New Normal: A Look into the Energy Sector’s Toolbox of Wildfire Mitigation Actions,” focused on how state energy offices could better prepare for and respond to the increasing threat of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change.
Wildfires had become a significant concern for energy infrastructure across many states, demanding innovative solutions and a proactive approach to resilience. During this session, participants explored a range of tools available to State Energy Offices, including technology benchmarking, financial incentives, and community engagement strategies. These elements were crucial for not only enhancing the resilience of energy infrastructure but also ensuring that communities were prepared for the social ramifications that accompanied infrastructure disruptions.
Among the notable presenters was Peter Brehm, Vice President and Senior Advisor at CTC Global Corporation, a leader in advanced conductor technology. His expertise proved invaluable in discussing how innovative technologies, like advanced conductors, could play a critical role in mitigating wildfire impacts. CTC Global had been at the forefront of developing solutions that enhanced the capacity and resilience of electrical grids, making them more robust against the threats posed by wildfires.
The session, moderated by Ben Bolton from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, also featured insights from other key figures in the energy sector, including Harry Hansen from the Utah Office of Energy Development and Brandi Martin from the U.S. Department of Energy. Together, they delved into strategies for establishing mitigation technology benchmarks, reporting on replacement statistics, and funding studies focused on wildfire mitigation.
The discussions encompassed not only the technical and financial aspects of wildfire mitigation but also addressed the broader social consequences of infrastructure disruptions due to wildfires. Understanding these implications was critical for developing comprehensive strategies that prioritized both resilience and community well-being.
As the NASEO Annual Meeting concluded, the focus on wildfire mitigation underscored the urgent need for collaboration among state energy offices, industry leaders, and researchers. With experts like Peter Brehm contributing to the conversation, attendees gained valuable insights into how the energy sector could adapt and thrive in the face of evolving environmental challenges. This session served as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships that would ultimately enhance the resilience of energy infrastructure against the growing threat of wildfires.