Wildfire Mitigation and PSPS Workshops
Please join us for our upcoming virtual workshops to learn more about wildfire mitigation and public safety power shutoffs.
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Wildfire Mitigation
Wildfire Mitigation
Due to the dense vegetation and dry brush that characterize much of our landscape, the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding forested areas have been designated either “Tier 2” (Elevated) or “Tier 3” (Extreme) fire risk areas by the state’s High Fire Threat District Map.
Liberty is taking steps to mitigate the risk of wildfires in the communities we serve. Liberty has implemented a Wildfire Mitigation Plan that addresses local factors.
Wildfire Mitigation Efforts
There are three main pillars or actions Liberty is taking to reduce the possibility of an electrical infrastructure-ignited wildfire. The first pillar is vegetation management, which aims to eliminate combustible fuel under and around power lines. The second pillar is infrastructure hardening, or upgrading and/or replacing infrastructure that could potentially cause a spark or ignition. Third, and used as a last resort, are Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which are implemented when weather conditions become an extreme fire risk, and shutting power off to some or all of the electrical grid is deemed a necessary precaution to prevent a fire start.
Liberty's Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Vegetation Management
Liberty crews are deployed year-round throughout the region to inspect trees and vegetation in the vicinity of power lines. In order to comply with state law and safety best practices, trees and vegetation that have grown too close to power lines will be trimmed or removed to mitigate wildfire risk.
Liberty arborists can inspect a vegetation power line-related issue for customers who believe there may be a hazard to the electrical infrastructure. Submit a vegetation inspection request at the button below.
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Infrastructure Hardening
Infrastructure hardening is an ongoing system infrastructure improvement and replacement process aimed at lowering the potential of fires sparked by electric infrastructure. Over the next several years, Liberty will conduct the following improvements to support this process:
- Install covered conductors (insulated wire)
- Replace conventional fuses with limiting fuses
- Test and replace aging poles
- Enhance grid topology
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a safety procedure utilized by electric utilities to proactively turn off power when and where conditions present an increased wildfire risk. The practice of de-energization as a last resort for public safety is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
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Wildfire Mitigation Plan and Reporting
Liberty's Wildfire Mitigation Plan Archive
View Liberty's Wildfire Mitigation Plans from previous years.