Changing infrastructure requirements for major weather events

Abstract

In the past, electric infrastructure was not designed to withstand major weather events. Doing so was not deemed cost-effective. Utilities designed their systems for normal weather, and understood that major weather events could result in widespread and extensive damage. The expectation for major weather events was, and generally remains, good preparedness and efficient system restoration. Over the past decade, there has been increasing public and regulatory attention on infrastructure performance during major weather events. Many are wondering whether it makes sense to strengthen electric infrastructure so that less damage occurs during major weather events (especially if major weather events are expected to become more frequent). This paper discusses the relatively new topic of “infrastructure hardening,” including strategy, tactics, current industry practices, and best industry practices.