Can power lines start wildfires? What precautions do utilities take to prevent that? That’s one of the focus areas of a conversation with NorthWestern Energy’s Max Rebholz. Be sure to click on the podcast to hear what protocols are now on the plate for what’s known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff, where utilities are allowed to shut down power to prevent potential catastrophic weather events.
Ryan Hall from the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association also joins the show to discuss fire mitigation and safety measures electric co-ops take under extreme conditions. Ryan was just back from a tour of some data centers in Washington State and shared what he learned there as well as how the electric co-ops are preparing for potential data centers in Montana.