Shutting off power to reduce wildfire risk on windy days isn’t a simple decision – an energy expert explains the trade-offs electric utilities face
- Written by Tim C. Lieuwen, Executive Director of the Strategic Energy Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology
Power lines spark a large number of U.S. wildfires.AP Photo/Rich PedroncelliMaui County is suing Hawaiian Electric, claiming the utility was negligent for not shutting off power as strong winds hit the island in the hours before the city of Lahaina burned. While the cause of the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire is still under investigation,...
