20200529Exhibit A.pdf

Attachment A
t9
Attachment A
Avista has been delivering safe and reliable electric energy for over 130 years. Our history is one of
collaboration with communities and customers to ensure a balance of safety, economic vitality, and of
stewardship. Recent wildfires have galvanized our commitment to public safety, emergency
preparedness, and to protect our regional economy. Wildfires represent a growing threat to homes,
businesses, and our way of life. This Wildfire Resiliency Plan represents Avista's commitment to
mitigating potential wildfire risk associated with the delivery of electricity. lt also affirms our
commitment to working closely with community leaders, with property owners, and emergency first
responders.
This Plan Ieverages the Company's experience with responding to adverse weather and environmental
conditions including wildland fires. lt also represents the knowledge of Avista's employees, that of peer
utilities, together with fire protection and land management agencies. This is who we are.
Heather Rosentrater
Senior Vice President, Energy Delivery and Shared Services
Sincerely,
Date: May 28,2O2O
2lPage
G
:
May 28, 2020
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
This report reflects the combined effort of mony Avisto employees. Though many honds were involved in
the development of this document ond their contributions should not be overlooked, I would like to
ocknowledge several key individuols without whom this report would not hove been possible. To Bob
Brondkomp for doing the early work to quontify wildfire risk and for leoding the PNW Utility Wildfire
Forum ond the Spokane County Fire District committee. To Greg Hesler for initioting the 'coll to oction'
ond for his counsel throughout this process. To Dovid Howell for his unwovering leodership & personol
support ond for responding to Greg's collto oction. And finolly, to Heother Rosentroter for moking
Wildfire Resiliency one of her top priorities ond for lending her voice to the issue. Mony voices, one
message.
Thank you oll for your time, involvement, counsel, ond commitment to this effort.il,David James, Wildfire Resiliency Plan Manager
The steering commiftee members of Avista's Wildfire Resiliency Plan approve this document.
David Howell Bruce Howard
Director,ElectricOperations Sr.Director,Environmental
Affairs
Signature Signature
Bob Brandkamp
Sr. Manager, Enterprise Risk
Signature
Date Date Date
Elizabeth Andrews
Sr. Manager, Revenue
Requirements
Signature
Casey Fielder
Manager, Corporate
Communications
Signature
Annie Gannon
Ma nager, Communications
Signature
Date Date Date
Alicia Gibbs
Manager, Asset Maintenance
Signature
Greg Hesler
Vice President, General Counsel
& Chief Compliance Officer
Signature
Date Date
3lPage
May 28,2O2O
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
Executive Summary
Objective
This report details the recommended response to the increasing threat of wildfires within Avista's
service territory. The recommendations within this report seek to reduce the risk of wildfire from the
interaction of Avista's energy delivery system and the environment as well as the impacts of wildfire to
Avista's system. These recommendations represent Avista's initial Wildfire Resiliency Plan. The Plan will
be periodically reviewed to ensure consistency with industry best practices and that it is providing
benefits to customers and the communities Avista serves.
Bockground
Avista's Wildfire Resiliency Plan reflects the Company's 130-year operating history combined with
recent efforts to quantify and respond to the financial, safety related, and service reliability risks
associated with wildfires. Risks are not static and this Plan will be updated to align with environmental,
political, financial, and other factors that influence those risks. Plan objectives include focus in the
following strategic a reas :
o Protect lives and property
o Ensure emergency preparedness and align operating practices with fire threat conditions
o Protect Avista's energy delivery infrastructure
Protectinq Lives ond Property
Though many elements of this plan focus attention on Avista's transmission and distribution
infrastructure and the effort to reduce spark ignition events, the reader should not lose sight of the
plan's primary objective: to protect lives and property by reducing the number of utility involved
wildfires. ln November 20L8,18,804 structures were destroyed and 85 residents lost their lives in the
wildfire at Paradise, California. Though investigations continue, it is clear that the initiating action
involved one of PG&E's transmission towers. This fact spurred actions by utilities across the nation,
including Avista, to mitigate the potential for causing such fires.
Avista provides electricalservice to over
380,000 customers with many customers living
in elevated fire risk areas. A key factor in
Avista's plan is how best to reduce the
likelihood of a wildfire caused by Avista's
electric operations. The recom mendations
contained in this plan are based on the ability
to reduce the risks associated with public and
worker safety, the risks to property and
infrastructure, and to lessen the impact of
electric system outages. The relative
importance of those risks is indicated in the
graphic.
4lPape
Relative lmportdnce of Risk Foctors
oworker &
Public SafetyoHomes &
Property
Or,..,r,. r",,,."
Disruption
outrrity
lnfrastructure
WIt t){: IRF RESIT IT NCY T't AI!
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
Post Fire lVlitigotion
Avista has a long history of responding to adverse operating conditions including wildfires. ln October of
1991, 60 mph winds combined with persistent drought sparked over 90 fires in the Spokane area.l Most
of those fires were the result of vegetation contacts with powerlines. More recent fires in the Colville
and Davenport operating districts have also influenced operating, maintenance, and design construction
practices. This Plan builds upon that experience to mitigate the risk of wildfires. A few examples are
shown below:
Sbd Fd6
Transmlssion lin6
constructed with tubular
steel pobs to protact critkal
infrastructure.
Dry f.nd Op.rrdtlt ilodG
Durint fire saasoo
distrlbutbn lines DO ilOI
automatkally recbsc aftcr a
line fault.
RktTrtc P'otram
Dead.nd dyitf, trcc3 that
mlglt falllnto powcrllncs .rG
removcd.
GrU ]lrrdadn3
UpSrades to inft.structure in
dsatcd flra risk arcas will
protcct llnes from firc damate
and limlt the spark-Bnltlon
potentLl of line faultr.
Nan 6rn Dry lrnd
Additional circult reclos.rs
wlll bc d.ploycd in elevatcd
flre risk areas.
DNtit l D.EcolLcdo.r
Collection of UDAR suNey
data to automatc tha
identification of potcntial
vegetat'on conflicts.
Fho $faty icrdncss
Avista and Fire crews to
conduct Joim training and
ficld erercises.
Emcc.ncy (EOPI
lmidcnt Command Structurc
deployad durinE emerglnclcs. L
lncreosed Frequency and Severity of Fire Activity
The number and size of wildfires is increasing throughout the western United States. Data from the
United States Forest Service (USFS) indicates that the number of large fires (>1000 acres) has tripled
since 1970. Also, the duration of fire season has grown by over 100 days. A report from NASA's global
science department summarizes the situation indicating six underlying trends.2
1Spokesman Review, Sl2UtS "Firestorm 1991"
2 NASA, global science, www.climate.nasa.gov/blog/2830
5lPage WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Current
Practice
Wildfire
Resiliency
May 28,2020
Attachment A
1. There ore more fires (51% of fires in the western U.S. have occurred since 2000)
2. And those ftres ore lorger (since 1950 acres burned per year has increased 600%)
3. A smoll percentage olthe west has burned (1t% of land mass impacted since 1950)
4. The same areos keep burning (-3lol of land is subject to cyclic wildfire activity)
5. Fires are burning more coniferous forest than ony other type ol landscope (since 2000,
wildfires have shifted from burning shrub-lands to coniferous forest)
5. Wildfires ore going to have o big impaA on our luture (climate simulations from National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) researchers suggest a 2OO-5OO% increase in the
number of large fires by mid-century)
40% of Avisto's distribution ond 20%
ot' transmission lines ore locoted in
elevoted fire threot oreos. 12j,300
Avisto electric customers reside in
these oreos.
Researchers at NOAA predict that by mid-century
l2O4L-20701,4 the conditions for'very large fires'
will substantially increase throughout the western
United States. The graphic on the right indicates
the percentage increase for very large fires. Note
that areas of eastern Washington and northern
fdaho suggest a 300% to 4OO% increase. This
trend, based on NOAA climate studies, combined
with development in fire prone areas is projected
to make wildfire one of the most significant
environmentalthreats in the western United
States.s
Washington State's Department of Natural Resources is
responsible for fire suppression on over 13 million acres of
private and state owned forest lands. lts 2015 forest health
report states that, " Neorly 2.7 million ocres of eostern
Woshington forestland need treotment to be more resilient
ogoinst insects, diseose, ond wildfires." That report
recommends a variety of treatments including mechanical
thinning and prescribed burns. To compound the issue, there
are two million Washington homes located in elevated fire
threat areas.3
*r"
tfu"
NOAA Fire Threot (2041-2070) - lndicotes the % lncreose of Very
Lorge Wildfire Conditions (> L000 ocre fires)
hoES r.rlt6da, t rrLrti''
-
0Joao, to to & !o .6
3 Washington Dept. of Natural Resources Forest Health, www.dnr.wa.gov/ForestHealth
4 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.climate.gov
s Caitlyn Kennedy, "Risk of Very Large Fires Could lncrease Sixfold by Mid-Century in the US," Climate.gov, August 25, 2015,
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/featured-images/risk-very-large-fires-could-increase-sixfold-mid-century-us
SlPage WlLDlilRE RESILIENCY PtAN
May 28, 2020
Attachment A
Public Sofety Power Shutoff
ln November 2OL8, a wildfire near Paradise, California burned over 18,0O0 homes and resulted in 85
fatalities. No wildfire in modern history has created an industry response equivalent to the 'Camp Fire'.
The California Public Utilities Commission mandated that utilities develop fire m'ltigation strategies. As a
result, major utilities in California pre-emptively shutoff power to prevent spark-ignitions from overhead
powerlines. This system is known as Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).6 Though Avista is closely
monitoring the situation in California and continues to work closely with utility peers including
PacifiCorp, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison, at this time
Avista does not plan to ore-emptivelv shutoff power to mitigate the risk of wildfire.
This report details 28 individual recommendations aimed to reduce the risk of wildfires. Many of those
elements support a system that Avista developed in the early 2000s. This system is known internally as
Dry Land Mode or Dry Land Conditions (page 28). Avista operations and engineering staff support
enhancements to the existing Dry Land system and believe it provides a balanced approach to mitigating
wildfire risk while maintaining electric service during fire season. As detailed in this report, Avista's Dry
Land Mode system involves both identifying electric circuits that operate in elevated fire risk areas and
the reconfiguration of protection systems. Several elements of this plan support enhancements to that
system including:
o Development of a Fire-Weather Dashboard (computerized fire risk prediction system)
o Annual electric distribution fuse coordination report (optimal protection)
o Recloser event reporting (continuous improvement of protection systems)
. Dry Land Mode engineering review (comprehensive system review). Dry Land Mode 'trigger' (initiate seasonal protection based on fire risk threshold)
o Midline recloser communication
(retrofit existing circuit reclosers with monitoring & control equipment)
o Additional midline reclosers in elevated fire threat areas
(aligning system protection with fire risk)
o Wildland Urban lnterface (identify elevated fire risk zones)
o Substation SCADA (retrofit existing substation with monitoring & control systems)
It is impossible to prevent all tree contacts or equipment failures associated with the electric delivery
system. However, by adding defense strategies specifically designed to reduce spark-ignition sources,
Wildfire Resiliency represents a holistic approach to safeguarding human lives, property, and
infrastructure against the threat of utility involved wildfires.
6 Public Safety Power Shutoff - California PUC - www.cpuc.ca.gov/deenergization
TlPage WltDFlRt RESItIENCY PLAN
May28,2O2O
Emergency Operating
Plan
Attachment A
Gools ond Objectives of Avisto's Wildfire Resiliency Plon
Emergency Response
.To prepare and train for episodic wildfire events. To recognize wildfire as a recurring threat to utility
infrastructure, the communities we serve, Avista employees and customers.
Protect Life and Property
.To protect physical assets, property, and human lives against the threat of wildland fires. To recognize fire
potential as a manageable risk element of Avista's operating and maintenance strategies.
Safeguard Company Assets
.To mitigate the probability and consequence of direct financial and liability costs associated with large
scale fire events.
Throughout the development of
this Plan, a modelframework has
been used to balance risks, costs,
and benefits. Collaboration
extended well beyond the internal
walls of Avista to include voices
from the community, fire
protection professionals,
regulators, utility peers, and
professiona! service and material
suppliers.
Undcrrtand
Rbk
Desl6n fortheth.
Understand the Risk * Combining int'rostructure doto with fire threot and weother conditions to yield o
'Jire risk potentiol' metric.
Design for the Risk - Adopt tronsmission and distribution moteriols and construction to minimize the
potentiolfor utility involved fire ignition.
Plan for on Event Prepore field and ot'fice support stot'l through troining ond field simulation exercises.
Portner with others - Collaborqte with others to leverage the strengths of various partners and create a
stronger response system for oll involved.
8lPage
Promote Safety
Financial Protection
Wi ldf ire Resiliency Framework
May 28,2020
WII.DIIRT RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
Wildfire Resiliency Plon Elements
This Plan includes 28 individual
recommendations grouped into four
categories. These categories are similar to
other utility wildfire plans including those
from PG&E, SDG&E, SCE, and PacifiCorp:7
o Grid Hardening - by replacing
infrastructure in fire prone areas, the
likelihood of a spark-ignition source
is mitigated and critica!
infrastructure is protected from the
impacts of fire.
. Vetetation Management - by
identifying potential conflicts on an
annual basis and prioritizing those
risk from highest to lowest, Wildfire
Resiliency aligns resources with risk
metrics.
Situational Awareness
. Situational Awareness - by adding line and monitoring equipment, system operators can respond
quickly to variable weather and fire threat conditions.
o Operations & Emergency Response - through training and simulation, Avista personnel will be
better prepared to work with fire professionals during an event.
Plan recommendations also reflect cost prudency and were adopted on their basis to:
o Leverage existing asset programs and operating practices
o Promote public safety
. Mitigate financial risk
The following tables provide more information about the recommendations.
7 California Public Utilities Commission, www.cpuc.ca.gov/wildfiremitigationplans/
9lt'age WlLDFlRI RESILILNCY PLAN
Transmission Fire Retardant
(FR) Program
FR paint program requires
refresh every 3-5 years
Genic Fire-Mesh wrap with
2O-year expected life
Will reduce operating
expense to maintain fire
protection of transmission
wood poles
Transmission Line lnspection Aerial surveys to identify
structure defects (reliability
based)
Aerial and ground
inspections to identify
structure defects
(fire risk based)
Reduce transmission fi re
ignition events which are
less likely than distribution
related fires, but generally
result in larger fires
Dry Land Operating Mode
(DLM)
Seasonal implementation
(single mode)
Adapted to fire-weather
(multi-mode)
metrics
By aligning DLM modes with
weather and fire threat
conditions, operators can
balance service reliability
with fire risk potential
May 28,2020
Attachment A
Risk-Based Steel Conversion Reduce likelihood of damage
to Avista transmission
assets. 20% of Avista's
transmission assets are
located in elevated fire
threat areas
Transmission Grid Hardening Condition-Based Steel
Conversion
Condition based pole,
conductor, and equipment
programs
Risk based approach to
replacing equipment and
conductors associated with
spark-ignition potential
Reduce likelihood of
distribution related fi res.
40% of Avista's distribution
assets are located in
elevated fire threat areas
Distribution Grid Hardening
Human based ground and
aerial inspections
Augment with computer
automated analysis to
identifo vegetation
encroachment and
structural defects
Allows for scenario based
planning of treatment
options and serves as the QA
tool to assess the efficacy of
previous field work
Ditital Data Collection
Strengthens relationships
between Avista and fire first
responders and reduces fire
severity threats to
infrastructure
No formal program Partnering with Fire
Agencies to remove fuels
near critical infrastructure
Fuel Reduction Partnerships
Align right-of-way
boundaries to fire risk
potential
Protect critical infrastructure
and serve as fire break
Widen Transmission Rights-
of-way
No formal program
Reduce tree fall-ins, which
are 3 times more likely to
occur than grow-ins
Annual Risk Tree Cadence based program
(e.g. 1-3 years)
System-wide effort to
annually identify and
remove dead, dying, and
diseased trees
Work with customers in
elevated fire risk areas to
remove tall growing trees
from underneath powerlines
Reduces the risk of tree
grow-ins and subsequent
spark-ignition sources
Public Outreach "Right Tree,
Right Place" Campaign
General information
available to all customers
ReGdnmcndation qrnc{ltStrtC Futurc Stltc Ecncfrtr
Fire-Weather Dashboard Weather forecast data
subject to individual
interpretation
By combing weather
forecast and fire threat
condition data, operating
personnel will have clear
guidance relative to
likelihood and potential
impact of fires
Promotes a more consistent
approach among operations
and emergency managers
Additional Distribution
Circuit Reclosers
Based on system protection
and reliability performance
Deployed in elevated fire
threat areas. Reflects a risk-
based strategy
Supports the evolution of
Avista's Dry Land operating
mode to align with
forecasted weather and fire
threat conditions
l0 lPage WIIDIIRE RISITIENI CY PtAN
May28,2O2O
SCADA added to new or
reconstructed substations.
Reflects a condition based
approach
Enables control and
monitoring of substation
equipment including circuit
reclosers in elevated fire risk
areas
(as stated above)Substation Supervisory
Control & Data Acquisition
(scADA)
Attachment A
The Wildlond lJrbon lnterface (WUI)
The interface area between forest lands and human development is referred to as lMldj4llUfban
lnterface (WUl). Homes and businesses located near the WUI are most at-risk from the impact of
wildfires and are often located in rural areas that lack fire suppression resources.
ln 2019, Avista's GIS Technical Group created a WUI map for the electric service territory based on the
following principles:
o Fuel Concentration - areas identified as having moderate to high fuel concentrations were
considered. Fuels data was derived from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildfire
Hazard Potentialmap.s
o Housing Density - parcels smaller than 20 acres were included in the analysis but highly-
developed urban areas were excluded. Urban areas do not meet the definition of Wildland
Urban lnterface because fuel canopies are dispersed and fire protection is readily available.
The WUI map helps to identify and prioritize areas of greatest risk and serves to inform the
recommendations and operational decisions related to wildfire resiliency. The Plan denotes the
8 U.S. Department of Agriculture, data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/wildfire-hazard-potential.......
11 lPage WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Avista EOP to delineate
wildfire from other storm
events. Avista to offer
assistance at all fire lCS.
Coordinate Avista system
restoration with fire
protection and evacuation
activities
Emergency Operating
Procedure & Avista lncident
Command Representative
No formal wildfire policy
None Develop fire-specific
performance metrics to
ensure that Plan objectives
are beins met
Supports the adaptation of
the Resiliency Plan to meet
current operating and
environmental conditions
Wildfire Performance
Metrics
Developed in Q3/2019 Categorize Avista T&D
infrastructure with respect
to fire ignition potential and
fire imoact consequence
Focuses vegetation
management and grid
hardening efforts in the
highest fire risk areas
Wildland Urban lnterface
(wUl)map
No formal program Annual fire safety trainint to
Avista field personnel and
electrical hazard training to
fi re protection personnel
Promotes safety of first
responders and supports a
variety of partnerint
activities including fuel
reduction and fire adapted
communities
Emergency fi rst responder
training
Expedited Fire Response Draft MOU under
consideration with Spokane
Fire Districts
(2020 Pilot Proiect)
Fire agency personnel to
investitate transmission line
faults during fire season
Suppress fires before they
have an opportunity to
spread
May 28,2O2O
Attachment A
combination of WUI Tiers 2 & 3 as "elevated fire threat areas". These areas comprise 40% of Avista's
electric distribution and 2OoA of the high-voltage transmission systems. Elevated fire threat levels are
depicted in orange (Tier 2) and red (Tier 3) highlighted areas. Portions of the map not highlighted are
classified as Non-WUl and represent areas with low fuel concentrations, very low housing densities, or
large urban areas (> 10,000 population).
The Plon denotes the
combinotion of WU I Tiers
2 & 3 os "elevoted fire threot
oreos". These oreos comprise
40% of electric distribution
and 20% of transmission
systems. Elevoted fire threot
levels ore depicted in oronge
(Tier 2)ond red (Tier 3).
Portions of the mop not
highlighted ore classified os
Non-WUl ond represent
oreos with low fuel
concentrotions, very low
housing densities, or densely
populoted urbon oreos.
Summory of Risks ond Costs
Precise identification of the risk-cost for any given year is not realistic, and for wildfires, there is a
significant difference between smallfire events which can occur many times per season versus a large
scale event which may occur once every few years. Therefore, in order to represent a more realistic
picture of relative risks and costs, a 10-year planning horizon was adopted.
12 lPage
May28,2020
WITDFIRE RESILIENCY PIAN
lnterface
+f
jr
if.--+
ILIIir
ffiutuffid
a
aDamr2018lswldlEMrdMlinx) rc ddt tl3bti Slen
FErd b, E nc Dot+ 9E G l|l/{
Attachment A
Risk and cost values shown in the following table represent a lO-year planning horizon, and include both
incremental operating expenses as wel! as capital improvements to infrastructure. Capital plan elements
are projected to sunset in 10 years but the majority of expense items are on-going and are generally
related to vegetation management. ln simple terms, risk is the product of the probability of an event
and financial consequence:
Risk = (The likelihood ol occurrence, or probobilitfl X fihe linoncial impoa ol on event)
lnherent Risk - describes the current state risk level and reflects defense strategies already in place.
Manased Risk - describes the future state risk level with the addition of Wildfire Resiliency elements.
The values shown for risk are percentage based and reflect a range for each category. Note that
vegetation and grid hardening risk scores indicated a bounded range because the probability of
occurrence is based on the frequency of forced outages, and the frequency of electrical outages is well
understood. However, an event's impact can vary widely based on several factors including weather, fire
risk levels, emergency response, and location. Note that the managed risk scores represent future state
levels and lower levels of event probability and event outcome. The column labeled 'Risk Reduction'
indicates the average percentage difference between current state and future state risk levels.
Risk and Cost Sum and ldaho Electric
Enhanced Vegetation .
Management :
Situational
Awareness
Operations &
Emergency Response
Grid Hardening & Dry
Land Mode
13 lPage
48.3-100
25.9-100
19.7-100
41-100
3.2-14.5
0.8-1.1
s.3-23.4
0.7-2.7
887o s5,1oo,ooo Ss1,175,ooo
98%s17,955,000 s1,019,000
76%S3oo,ooo s2,37g,ooo
98Yo 5245,600,000 55,014,000
Plan Total 44.1-100 2.8-t2.s 8996 $268,965,000 $s%se6,ooo
As noted, the wildfire resiliency program includes electric system (Washington and ldaho) capital
investments of 5268,955,000 over 10 years with corollary operating expenses of $59,586,000.
Expenditures are illustrated on the following page from 2020 through 2029.
The single largest capital investment is grid hardening of the electric distribution system. This accounts
for S193,200,000 invested in distribution systems located in elevated fire risk areas and another
544,000,000 invested in the transmission system to convert from wood to steel poles. These two Plan
elements account for 88% of total capital spend. For operating expense, three elements: T&D digital
data collection, annual risk tree, and the public safety initiative 'right tree right place' account for
!VItDTIRL RISItIt N(Y PIAN
2020-2029
Operating Horizon
lnherent Risk
(range %)
Managed Risk
(range %)
Risk
Reduction
(avg%l
10-yr Capital
lnvestment
(s)
10-yr Operating
Expense ($)
May 28,2O2O
Attachment A
S42,7OO,OOO 1720,6l overthe same 10-year period. Though, this Plan includes 28 recommendations to
mitigate the risk of wildfire, these five elements account for 85% of the total orosram investments.
Avista Wildfire Resiliency
Plan Cost Forecast
s3s,000
53o,ooo
s2s,ooo
s2o,ooo
s1s,o00
s10,000
ss,ooo
So
r Capital
I Operating
I 202t 2022 2023 2024 2025
s16,98s s27,oss s31,380 s31,380 s31,380
ss,371 s6,917 $7,43s s7,3s4 56,772
2029
s31,380
ss,oe6
_qooo
<,\
2020
ss,26s
52,41.6
2026
531,380
$6,s40
2027
s31,380
s5,ose
2028
s31,380
5s,627
r Capital I Operating
Potentiol Operoting & hlointenonce Expense Cost Reductions
The goal of wildfire resiliency is to reduce the overall risk associated with wildfires. ln short, the benefits
of this Plan are largely measured in terms of risk reduction for all parties involved. However, we
recognize the potentialfor costs savings and cost shifts from operating and maintenance expense
activities towards capital investment. The overall impact of cost savings is speculative until the Plan
becomes operational and performance data can be analyzed. However, one objective of this Plan is to
reduce the number of equipment failures and tree related outages and by doing so, avoid emergency
response. Consider a hvpothetical scenario wherebv Wildfire Resiliencv reduces these outages bv 10%.
From 2014 to 2018, the electric distribution system experienced 5,200 outages per year. This
corresponds to an annual frequency index (SAlFl) of 1.1 with a duration index (SAlDl) of approximately 2
hours and 20 minutes. On average, 57 customers were impacted during each outage.
Equipment failures and tree related outages account for approximately 1,000 outages per year and it is
these outages that wildfire resiliency aims to mitigate through grid hardening and enhanced vegetation
management. lf those outages were reduced by just 10% (100 outages), the reduction in customer
impact would equate to S99O,Z8O per year.e Again, this is a hypothetical exercise to illustrate the Plan's
value proposition.
e Based on Avista Asset Management Risk Analysis Standard (service interruption .os1 = $63 per customer* hour)
14 lPage Wll.DFlRE RESItIENCY PtAN
May28,2O2O
Cost Savings/ShiftPlan Element Benefit
Attachment A
The following table lists several potential cost savings opportunities associated with wildfire resiliency.
It should be noted that this Plan indicates program level spend estimates and does not differentiate
between incremental and embedded costs. Though many Plan elements represent incremental costs,
some activities will simply be absorbed by the workforce. For example, annual fire safety training will
occur at monthly safety meetings which are wel! established. This imbedded cost is estimated at
S1,300,000 over 10-years. However, the bulk of the Plan elements including enhanced vegetation
management and grid hardening represent additionalactivities and incrementalcosts. As previously
indicated, these categories account for 85% of overall program costs.
Annual Risk Tree and Right
Tree Right Place Programs
Digital Data Collection
Grid Hardening
Situational Awareness
(communication & control
systems)
Operations & Emergency
Response
15 lPage
lmproved System Performance
(fewer outages)
Automates data gathering
process for vegetation and
structu re condition inspection
I mproves System Performance
(fewer outages)
Enables remote monitoring and
control of equipment
Better prepared and equipped
first responders
Reduced spend on emergency
response and unplanned repairs
Reduces field inspection
activities. Enables automated
OA/aC functions
Reduced spend on emergency
response and unplanned repairs
Reduced service related truck
rolls
Reduces the risk of injury and
accidents
Wlt Dt lRI Ri:SltIENCY PtAN
May 28, 2020
Attachment A
Conclusion
The risk of large wildfire events is increasing across the western
United States. The recent fires in California serve to illustrate that
utility operating risks are increasing due to wildfires. Managing this
risk is criticalfor customers, communities, investors, and the regional
economy. Avista has taken a proactive approach for many years to
manage wildfire risk, and through this Plan, the Company has
identified additionalwildfire defenses. The goals, strategies, and
tactics set forth in this Plan reflect a quantitative view of risk.
Additional research, conversation and analysis with Avista's
operating staff and steering group provided critical qualitative and
contextual information that also shaped the recommendations. This
combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis ensures the
recommendations are robust, well-rounded, thoughtful, and align
with the Plan objectives.
Comprehensive risk analysis indicates a cumulative 10-year financial
risk of at least Sg blttlon dollars. This value includes the accumulated
risks associated with all 28 Plan recommendations and should not be
interpreted as a precise financial estimate. A better metric is the
percentage of risk mitigation which reflects a 90% reduction for the
overall Plan.
Though planned investments in infrastructure and vegetation
maintenance defenses represent the bulk of costs, human
investments in training, partnerships, and engagement with
customers are core components of Wildfire Resiliency.
Wildfire Resiliency represents a departure from traditional utility
strategies aligned with meeting customer demand (capacity) and
maintain ing service conti nu ity (rel ia bility). Avista's strategy aligns
with other utility wildfire plans by adding defenses in four key areas:
vegetation management, grid hardening, situational awareness and
operations and emergency response.
Avista has a long history and tradition of 'doing the right thing'for
our customers and the communities we serve. Working together to
promote safety and manage the risk of wildfire is not a new concept
but simply one that will be built upon.
End of Executive Summary
16 lPage WILDFIRE RESITIENCY PLAN
May28,2O2O
Partnering with Others
The Western Energy lnstitute
The Edison Eledric lnstitute
Washington Deportment of Noturol
Resources
ldaho Department of Lands
AEGIS lnsuronce
PNW Utility Wildfire Group
(PSE, PAC, CHPD, IPC NWE, PGE, AVA)
The University of ldoho
ldoho Smort Growth lnitiotive
Spokone County Fire Distrids
City of Spokane Fire Deportment
Spokone Valley Fire Deportment
Palouse County Fire Distrids
Spoka ne Eme rg e ncy Manogeme nt
NOAA & NWS (Weather)
Wdshington Utilities ond
Tron sportatio n Co m mittee (WUTC)
ldaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC)
Woshington Dept. of Notural Resources
(DNR) Utility Taskforce
Weste rn Gove rnof s Associotio n
West Coost Utility Commission Seminar
(Vendors)
Quantum Spotiol
Genics Corporotion
Geo Digitol Corporotion
Western Weother
The Eoton Corporotion
TROVE Corporotion
Wildftre Resiliency Plon Goals
Risk Assessment....................
Attachment A
TABLEOF CONTENTS
Executive Su mmory.......
Wildfire Resiliency Plan Overuiew.,...........78
20
20
25
28
)9Grid Hardening & Dry Land Mode
D-L6(L7 Distribution System Grid Hardening .30
D-13
D-6
D-8
Additional Dry Land Mode Circuit Reclosers ......................31
Dry Land Mode Effectiveness Study .............32
Dry Land Mode Trigger ...........34
38
.39
.4L
50
.51
.53
.55
Plan Recommendations Summary ...
Plon Recommendotions by Category
ST-12 Transmission System Grid Hardening .35
ST-10 Transmission lnspection Program........ ...,.....36
ST-5 Transmission Wood Pole Fire Retardant Protection .37
Enhanced Vegetation Management ................
D-10 Electric Distribution Annual Risk Tree....,..
D-11 Public Safety lnitiative: "Right Tree, Right Place"
D-14 Distribution Digital Data Collection ...............43
ST-5 Transmission System Digital Data Collection .45
D-4 lncorporating Vegetation Management into Distribution Designs ..........49
Situationa! Awareness.....
D-15 Substation SCADA
D-tz Distribution Management System (DMS) Communication
ST-2 Fire-WeatherDashboard
Operations & Emergency Response
ST-1 EmergencyOperatingProgram(EOP).............
ST-3 Transmission Design's Role in Major Event Response............
ST-4 Wildfire Performance Metrics
ST-8 Wildfire Training for Avista First Responders
ST-9 Expedited Fire Response
D-1 Fuse Coordination Study
D-2 Circuit Recloser Event Reporting
D-3 Fire lgnition Tracking System
D-5 Fire Suppression Water Additive
D-7 WUI Layer in Avista GIS System
D-9 WildfireNotificationSystem..........
Conclusion.
Addendum.
lTlPage
57
.58
.59
.60
.60
.6L
.62
.53
.63
.64
.64
.55
66
67
May 28,2O2O
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
Wildfire Resiliency Plan Overview
Avista's Wildfire Resiliency Plan reflects the Company's 130-year operating history combined with
recent efforts to quantify the financial risk of wildfires. Risks are not static and this Plan will adapt and
evolve over time to align with environmental, political, financial, and other factors that influence those
risks. The foundation of this Plan is the monetization of risk resulting in a series of recommendations to:
o Protect Avista's energy delivery infrastructure
o Enhance vegetation management programs and reduce tree contacts with powerlines
o Deploy additional system monitoring and control equipment
o Align operating practices and emergency response with fire threat conditions
Post Fire Mitigotion
Avista has a long history of responding to adverse operating conditions including wildfires. ln October of
1991, 60 mph winds combined with persistent drought sparked over 90 fires in the Spokane area.lo
Most of those fires were the result of vegetation contacts with powerlines. Recent fires in the Colville
and Davenport operating districts have also influenced operating, maintenance, and design construction
practices. This Plan builds upon that experience by leveraging current defense strategies and focusing
efforts in elevated fire risk areas. A few examples are shown below:
Steel Poles
Transmission lines
constructed with tubular
steel poles to protect
critical infrastructure.
Dry Lend Operating Mode
During fire season,
distribution lines DO NOT
automatically reclose after
a line fault.
Rbk Tree Profam
Dead and dying trees that
might fall into powerlines
are removed.
Emergency (EOP!
lncident Command
Structure deployed during
emergencies.
10 Spokesman Review newspaper, "Firestorm 1991", August 27,20L5 publication
18 lPage WltDFlRt R['SltiIl'.1 CY PtA[]
Grld Hardcnlng
Upgrades to infrastructure
in elevated flre risk areas
will protect lines from fire
damage and limit spark-
ignition potential of line
faults.
NenGen Dry lrnd
Additional circuit reclosers
deployed in elevated fire
risk areas to allow
alignment between fire risk
conditions and system
protection.
DlShal Data Collectlon
Collection of LIDAR and Hi-
Res Photography to
automate the identification
of potential veSetation
conflicts and structure
defects.
Flrc Safety Readlness
Avista and Fire crews to
conduct joint training and
field exercises.
Cu rrent
Practice
Wildfire
Resiliency
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
lncreosed Frequency and Severity of Fire Activity
The number and size of wildfires is increasing throughout the western United States. Data from the
United States Forest Service (USFS) indicates that the number of large fires (>1000 acres) has tripled
since 1970. Also, the duration of fire season has grown by over 100 days. The graph below indicates
wildfire frequency from 1950 to 2017.11
20L7t.rk
trh
;h
1950
th ndlrn
Over the post six decodes,
61% of fires in the western
U.S. hove occurred since
2000.
tnd
40% of Avisto's distribution ond 20%
of transmission lines ore locoted in
elevoted fire threat oreos. 123,300
Avisto electric customers reside in
these oreos.
iitiiiiiiiii!;iii;!;ii;iii;ii;iiii;ii;ii:IIiSIIStIgrRq9qtBlEiii;Ei;;(lt
Washington State's Department of Natural Resources is
responsible for fire suppression on over 13 million acres of
private and state owned forest lands. lts 2015 forest health
report states that, " Nearly 2.7 million acres of eostern
Woshington forestlond need treotment to be more resilient
ogoinst insects, diseose, and wildfires."l2 That report
recommends a variety treatments including mechanical
thinning and prescribed burns. To compound the issue, there
are two million Washington homes Iocated in elevated fire
threat areas.
ln September of 2015, the Corpenter rood
fire impocted 64,000 ocres of lond neor
Dovenport, WA ond domaged 42 structures.
The costs to suppress this fire exceeded
S2oo million.l3
11 NASA, www.climate.nasa.tov/blog/2830
12 Washington Department of Natural Resources 2O-year Forest Health Plan (2017)
13 Spokesman Review newspaper, Carpenter Road Fire, September 15, 2015
19 lPage WILDtIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
Researchers at the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) predict that by mid-
century QO4L-2O70!,, the conditions for'very large
fires' will substantially increase throughout the
western United States.la The graphic shown to the
right indicates the percentage increase for very large
fires. Note that areas of E. Washington and N. ldaho
indicate a30f.%to 4OOo/o increase. The combined
trends of more frequent and larger fires combined
with development in fire prone areas is projected to
make wildfire one of the most significant
environmentalthreats in the western United States.:sG 5 * s.rt a, rar f,t, llor !,ffi
Wildfire Resiliency Plan Goals
Objective:
This report details Avista's recommended response to the increasing threat of wildfires to the energy
delivery system. The plan will be periodically reviewed to ensure that it is consistent with industry best
practices and continues to provide benefits to customers and the communities Avista serves.
Gools of the Wildfire Resiliency Plon
The stated goals of this Plan are:
1. Emergency Preparedness - to prepare and train for episodic wildfire events. To recognize
wildfire as a recurring threat to infrastructure, the communities we serve, Avista employees and
customers.
2. Promote Public & Worker Safety - To protect physical assets, property, and human lives against
the threat of wildland fires. To recognize fire potential as a manageable risk element of Avista's
operating and maintenance strategies.
3. Financial Protection - To mitigate the probability and consequence of direct financial costs and
liability associated with large scale fire events.
Risk Assessment
Wildfire Risk Fromework
Recommended actions described in this Plan are based on Avista's Enterprise Risk Model and Asset
Management risk methodology. ln addition to risk analysis, a modelframework was established to help
guide the process for identifying, quantifying, and adopting recommendations.
14 lnternet source: www.climate.gov/news-featuresfeatured-images/risk-very-large-fires-could-increase-sixfold-mid-century-
us
20 lPage
May 28,2020
NOAA Fire Threot (2041-2070) - lndicotes the % lncrease of
Very Lorge Wildfire Conditions (> 1000 ocre fires)
WILDTIR[' RESII IENCY PLAN
Wildfire Resiliency Framework
Attachment A
tlndcrst rnd the
Rrsk
L)csip,n (or the' Risk
tA$r6)
Oo*ucrh,Opcrtlhr&Il&hre
Podner Plan for the
probohilityof an
event
Understand the Risk - Combining infrastructure data with fire threat and weather conditions to
yield a 'fire risk potential'metric.
Design for the Risk - Adapt transmission and distribution materials and construction to minimize
the potentialfor utility involved fire ignition.
Plan for an Event- Prepare field and office support staff through training and field simulation
exercises.
Partner with Others - Direct collaboration with Fire Protection Agencies and customers to reduce
fuel loadings near homes and powerlines.
Rlsk Assessrn e nt l\,4 eth o do I o gy
The recommendations in this report are based on their ability to reduce the operating and financial risk
of wildfires. Understanding how to quantify risk is fundamental to understanding the content of this
report.
ln order to illustrate this concept, consider the risk of distribution pole fires. Pole fires are a common
occurrence on overhead electric distribution system and generally occur when dust and other
contaminates accumulate during a prolonged period of drought. ln most years, the drier months of July
through September present the most likely period to experience a pole fire. For each pole fire there is
an associated risk cost.
21 lt',r 1: r'
May 28,2020
wtr t)r lRt tit :;! lt l.l( \ I | /rt,J
Attachment A
On average, Avista experiences 92 pole fires per year. ln most cases, Avista crews use fire suppression
equipment to contain the fire and repair any damage. In some instances, pole fires are conveyed to the
ground and can spread quickly under the right fuel and weather conditions. Wildfire Resiliency risk
modeling considered three potential impacts:
Public Safety - the cost of injuries associated with Avista employees and the general public.
Service Reliability - the costs associated with service disruption based on the Department of
Energy's Interruption Cost Estimator (lCE). For Avista customers, this value is S53 dollars per
customer-hour.
Financial lmpact- the replacement costs of infrastructure (direct) and third party claims to
reimburse for property damage, timber loss, and fire suppression (indirect).
The following toble provides on example of outcomes ond impocts.
Sr,soo
Ssoo
S2oo
s12s
,500s71
0.1
.002
Safety-Employee
s10,000
s2,000,000
52oo
sr8,000
s190,000
Direct Financial
lndirect Financial
{minor)
lndirect Financial
(large)
Safety-Public (minorl
Safety-Publlc lmajor)
Relaability (minor)
Reliability (moderatel
Reliability (majorl
Total (per event!
lnherent Risk =
92 events/year x
$/event
lnherent Risk over 10-
year planning horizon
(assumes level rate!
22!Page
May 28,2020
Optimistic
S1,soo
Ss,ooo
s100,000
.05 , s2,500
o.7
Pessimistic Optimistic
s20,000
s2,000,000
s7s,oo0
sso,ooo
s10,000,000
Avista crews
responding to pole fires
3d Pafi costs
(e.g. suppression)
Ground fire spread by
wind and fuel loading
Employee injury
ranging from minor
burn to back or
shoulder injury
lnjury
Fatality
Service point
(2-15 customers)
Lateral circuit
(140-240 customers)
Feeder circuit
(1500-3000 customers)
Pole fire risk cost per
year.
This is illustrotive of the
ronge used in the
Wildfire Resiliency Plan
for o sub element of
distribution grid
hordening
.01
.001
0.25
0.0s
s2,ooo
S30,ooo
s378,000
s140
S3,600
S9,soo
S14,s15
s1,335,380
$roo
s2,000 ,
Pessimistic
S7,soo
s2,0oo
s4,000
S3,7so
Ssoo
Slo,ooo
Sr,aoo
s6,000
s18,900
s48,800
s4,499,500
S13,3s3,800 s44,896,fit0
WILDFIR[. RESII III{CY PI AN
Probability
per event
NotesRisk Cost (S)lmpaa Cost (S)Outcome
Attachment A
The table on the previous page reflects the inherent risk (current state) of
pole fires. Poles fires are mitigated by replacing wood crossarms with
fiberglass units. ln the above example, the outcome scenario or impact
would remain unchanged but the probability of occurrence would be
drastically reduced.
For illustration purposes, if one assumes an 80% efficacy rate, the new risk
costs ranges from 52,670,000 to 58,880,000 reflecting a median risk
reduction of 523,300,000 over the 10-year planning horizon. This value
would then be compared to cost estimates to determine if the treatment is
warranted.
ln May and June of 2079, o series of Wildfire Risk Workshops were
focilitoted by Avisto's Business Process lmprovement teom to ossess the
overoll risk cost of wildfires. Six individual workshops were held over o 75-
day period involving 30 employees. Over 760 treotments were identified
ond neorly half of those were onolyzed for their risk reduction capocity.
Ultimotely, 28 treotments were carried forword ond serve ds the individuol
recommendotions in this report.
Pole fires generally occur on wood poles with
wood crossarms. Since the early 2000's, Avista
The Wildlond Urbon lntert'oce (wut) has adopted fiberglass crossarms as the standard
An additionat element of risk reduction includes the prioritized application :i:kt.:."j]il:ffi:jff;'ilijffJ"J:l;il:;
of solutions. Recommendations within this report consider geographic
location and apply risk reduction measures in areas with higher fire threat potential.
Homes and businesses most at-risk from the impact of wildfires are those located near the boundaries
of forest lands and in rural areas that lack fire suppression resources. ln 2019, Avista's GIS Technical
Group created a Wildland Urban lnterface map based on the following principles:
Fuel Concentration - Areas identified as having moderate to high fuel concentrations were considered
in the analysis. Fuels data was derived from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildfire Hazard
Potentialmap.ls
Housing Density - Parcel's smaller than 20 acres were included in the analysis but highly-developed
urban areas were excluded.LG Urbon oreos do not meet the definition of Wildland lJrbon lnterfoce.
1s USDA, Wildfire Hazard Potential, 2018
16 Avista Gl5 System, Electric Distribution Service Connections
23!t'age WlttlrlRl RtSltltN(Y PL/iN
I
i
May 28,2O2O
Attachment A
WUI Risk Levels - Similar to the work done in California, Avista's WUI identifies three wildfire risk levels
TIer 1- Moderate levels of fuel and low to moderate housing densities (low)
I- Moderate to high levels of fuel and moderate housing densities (medium)
I- High fuels levels and moderate to high housing densities (high)
Avista's Wildland lnterface Map
This Plon describes the
combinotion of WUlTiers 2 &j os "elevoted fire threot
oreos". These oreos comprise
40% of the electric
distribution ond 20% of the
tronsmission systems.
Elevoted fire threat levels ore
depicted in oronge (Tier 2)
ond red (Tier j) highlighted
oreos. Portions of the mop
not highlighted ore clossified
as Non-WUl ond represent
oreos with low fuel
co nce ntrotio n s, ve ry I ow
housing densities, or densely
populoted urbon oreos.
Mony of the elements
described in this Plon will be
deployed only in elevoted fire
threot oreos including grid
ho rde n i ng, d igitol d ota
collection, a nd fi re -s pecific
oeriol inspections.
24 lPage
May28,2020
la
o
lnterface
o?J*'1l
r..f
Ja
L'r'-'
-i
16
'At,_t
E!.!t 06Eb.0n Wn
IrrIt!
lr-.&algulfirHedgomdaor9mhtoEa{bown
FtD.nd b, Ed. foa4 lf Crn lr1
o
,
I
a
o
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
Plan Recommendations Summary
This Plan contains 28 individual recommendations grouped into four categories. These categories are
similar to other utility wildfire plans including those from PG&E, SDG&E, SCE, and PacifiCorp and include:
Grid Hardening - Replacing infrastructure in fire prone areas, the likelihood
of a spark-ignition source is mitigated and critical infrastructure is protected
from the impacts of fire.
Enhanced Vegetation Management - ldentifying potential conflicts on an
annual basis and prioritizing those risks from highest to lowest, Wildfire
Resiliency aligns resources with risk.
Situational Awareness - Adding line and monitoring equipment, system
operators can respond quickly to variable weather and fire threat conditions.
Operations & Emergency Response - Through training and simulation,
Avista personnel will be better prepared to work with fire professionals
during an event.
Plan recommendations reflect cost prudency and were adopted on their basis to:
. Leverage existing asset programs and operating practices
o Promote safety and safe practices
. Mitigate financial risk to property and infrastructure
The following tables provide more information about the recommendations.
o
a
a
a
FR paint program requires
refresh every 3-5 years
Genic Fire-Mesh wrap with
20-year expected life
Will reduce operating
expense to maintain fire
protection of transmission
wood ooles
Transmission Fire Retardant
(FR) Program
Transmission Line lnspection Aerial surveys to identify
structure defects (reliability
based)
Aerial and ground
inspections to identify
structure defects
(fire risk based)
Reduce transmission fi re
ignition events which are
less likely than distribution
related fires, but generally
result in larrer fires
Dry Land Operating Mode
(DLM)
Seasonal implementation
(single mode)
Adapted to fire-weather
metrics
(multi-mode)
By aligning DLM modes with
weather and fire threat
conditions, operators can
balance service reliability
with fire risk potential
Condition-Based Steel
Conversion
Risk-Based Steel Conversion Reduce likelihood of damage
to Avista transmission
assets. 20% of Avista's
transmission assets are
located in elevated fire
threat areas
Transmission Grid Hardening
Distribution Grid Hardening Condition based pole,
conductor, and equipment
proSrams
Risk based approach to
replacing equipment and
conductors associated with
spark-ignition potential
Reduce likelihood of
distribution related fi res.
40% of Avista's distribution
assets are located in
elevated fire threat areas
25 lPage
May28,2O2O
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
Augment with computer
automated analysis to
identifo vegetation
encroachment and
structural defects
Allows for scenario based
planning of treatment
options and serves as the QA
tool to assess the efficacy of
previous field work
Digital Data Collection Human based ground and
aerial inspections
No formal program Partnering with Fire
Agencies to remove fuels
near critical infrastructure
Strengthens relationships
between Avista and fire first
responders and reduces fire
severity threats to
infrastructure
Fuel Reduction Partnerships
Widen Transmission Rights-
of-way
No formal program Align right-of-way
boundaries to fire risk
potential
Protect critical infrastructure
and serve as fire break
Reduce tree fall-ins, which
are 3 times more likely to
occur than grow-ins
Annual Risk Tree Cadence based program
(e.9. 1-3 years)
System-wide effort to
annually identify and
remove dead, dying, and
diseased trees
Work with customers in
elevated fire risk areas to
remove tall growing trees
from underneath powerlines
Reduces the risk of tree
grow-ins and subsequent
spark-ignition sources
Public Outreach "Right Tree,
Right Place" Campaign
General information
available to all customers
Slurr0onsl Aws.rrric
Bacdrmgrddoo qrrcotStrb fuurcStrt!Banfit3
Fire-Weather Dashboard Weather forecast data
subject to individual
interpretation
By combing weather
forecast and fire threat
condition data, operating
personnel will have clear
guidance relative to
likelihood and potential
impact of fires
Promotes a more consistent
approach among operations
and emergency managers
Additional Distribution
Circuit Reclosers
Based on system protection
and reliability performance
Deployed in elevated fire
threat areas. Reflects a risk-
based strategy
Supports the evolution of
Avista's Dry Land operating
mode to align with
forecasted weather and fire
threat conditions
Substation Supervisory
Control & Data Acquisition
(scADA)
SCADA added to new or
reconstructed substations.
Reflects a condition based
approach
Enables control and
monitoring of substation
equipment including circuit
reclosers in elevated fire risk
areas
(as stated above)
Coordinate Avista system
restoration with fire
protection and evacuation
activities
Emergency Operating
Procedure & Avista lncident
Command Representative
No formal wildfire policy Avista EOP to delineate
wildfire from other storm
events. Avista to offer
assistance at all fire lCS.
Develop fire-specific
performance metrics to
ensure that Plan objectives
are beins met
Supports the adaptation of
the Resiliency Plan to meet
current operating and
environmenta I conditions
Wildfire Performance
Metrics
None
26 lPage WIIDFIRF RFSIIIFNCY PtAN
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
Wildland Urban lnterface
(WUl)map
Developed in Q3/2019 Categorize Avista T&D
infrastructure with respect
to fire ignition potential and
fire impact consequence
Focuses vegetation
management and grid
hardening efforts in the
hi:hest fire risk areas
Emergenry fi rst responder
training
No formal program Annual fire safety training to
Avista field personnel and
electrical hazard training to
fi re protection personnel
Promotes safety of first
responders and supports a
variety of partnering
activities including fuel
reduction and fire adapted
communities
Draft MOU under
consideration with Spokane
Fire Districts
(2020 Pilot Proiectl
Expedited Fire Response Fire agency personnel to
invertigate transmission line
faults during fire season
Suppress fires before they
have an opportunity to
spread
27 lPage
May28,2O2O
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
2018 California Utility lnvolved Fires
ns
V ation Contact
#ofsource: CAL FIREI
Equipment
Downed Wire
Fuse
Animal
Total
Attachment A
Plan Recommendations by Category
Grid Hardening & Dry Land Mode
Nearly 10% of Avista distribution outages are related to equipment and
conductor failures. These include transformers, overhead conductor,
connectors, insulators, and larger equipment like circuit reclosers and
voltage regulators. Over 600 outages per year occur due to these
failures. Recent data from the California State Fire Authority (CAL FIRE)
indicates that over 1,000 utility involved fires occurred in California
during 2018. The breakdown of that data is shown below and indicates
that 38% of utility events were related to utility equipment. CAL FIRE
estimates that utility ignition sources account for approximately 10% of
wildfires across the state, while data from Washington State indicates a range of 4-6016 for the Pacific
Northwest region.l7 Though the contribution is relatively low, wildfires are increasing in both size and
number across the western United States, and represent a significant risk to companies.
Currently, Avista does not track fire ignition events
associated with transmission or distribution line
faults. As noted, Avista's Outage Management
System (OMS) is the system of record for T&D
customer outage records, and, in many instances,
forms the basis of fire probability used in this
report.
Between 2014 and 2018 the breakdown of Avista's
distribution system outages is summarized in the
table on the left. Based on this information and
subsequent risk analysis, the grid hardening
objectives are:
1. Reduce the number of spark ignition
events on the distribution system
(Event Probability)
2. Reduce wildfire impact to transmission
lines (Event Outcome)
17 Western Utility Commission Wildfire Seminar, Portland OR, April 2019
28tPage WILDFIRE RESItIENCY PtAN
As port of the wildfire
Resiliency Plon, Avisto will
trock fire ignition doto
o ssociote d w ith powe r I i ne
electricolfoults.
Annual Avista Electric Distribution
Unplanned Outages
rce: Avista 2014-2018 OMS
6.2%
42,7%
9.s%
2.8%
L.5%
9.0%
2.1%
26.r%
on Contact
ductorOH Equipme
Pole Fire
Public Fire
Wind
Animal
Car Hit Pole
Storm Related & UG
May 28,2O2O
Attachment A
As part of Wildfire Resiliency, Avista will focus grid hardening efforts in the Wildland Urban lnterface
Tier 2 and 3 areas (elevated fire risk). The program includes:
o Transmission Wood Pole Fire Retardant Protection (Fire-Mesh Wrap)
o Transmission Line Fire lnspection Program
o Transmission Grid Hardening (Wood to Steel Pole Conversion)
. Dry Land Mode engineering review
. Dry Land Mode standing operating procedure (initiating)
o Distribution Midline Recloser in WUI Areas
o Distribution Grid Hardening
Grid hardening efforts reflect the bulk of capital investment in the Wildfire Resiliency Plan. On average,
equipment and conductor failures account for L0% of allforced outages and reducing those outages is a
primary objective of this Plan. Many sources of powerline outages are difficult to control, including
winter storms, strong wind events, thunderstorms, and public caused outages including vehicular
accidents and trees that are felled through powerlines. However, by upgrading powerline conductor and
equipment, these failures are manageable and represent a cost effective means to reduce the overall
number of spark-ignition events. Take for instance, pole fires.
The mechanism that causes pole top fires is well-known and is related to insulator leakage current which
increases during periods of hot, dry weather when insulators become covered with dust and other
contaminants. This leakage current can be concentrated between wood to wood contacts such as the
contact point between wood crossarms and wood poles. In the early 2000's, Avista began using
fiberglass crossarms and this has virtually eliminated fires on poles with the new fiberglass crossarms. As
part of Wildfire Resiliency, wood crossarms on structures located in elevated fire areas will be replaced
with fiberglass units. Grid hardening risk levels and costs are summarized in the table below.
lnherent Risk Exposure (category %) 41-1OO
Managed Risk Exposure (category %) 0.7-2.7
Risk M %l ,gg%
Total Operating Expense
, Total Capita! lnvestment
S5,o14,ooo
S24s,600,ooo
Various internol reports including the Wildfire Summorv Risk Anolvsis ond Wildfire Resiliencv Cost Plon
included o numbering system used to trock individuol Plan elements. For exomple, the Plon element
designoted os "D-76/77 Distribution System Grld Hordening" is described on the next severol pages.
That numbering system is mointoined throughout this report to ossist with continuity between vorious
internol reports and datosets.
29 lPage
May 28,2O2O
WltDf lRF RtiSILIENCY PtAN
D-1.6117 Distribution System Grid Hardening
Recommendation:
Attachment A
Replace aging and obsolete equipment
in elevated fire risk areas
(40% System)
Cost:
Benefit:
523,000,00Olyear Capital Investment
(5193,200,000 total over 10 years)
Reduced fire events caused by Avista's
electric distribution system.
Distribution grid hardening represents the single largest infrastructure investment in this Plan. Pole fires,
together with equipment failures, can potentially be reduced by replacing aging and deteriorated poles,
equipment, and conductors. Though Avista has well-established programs to replace poles, conductor,
and equipment, existing programs are condition-based and aligned with reliability objectives. Wildfire
grid hardening objectives are focused on reducing the number of spark ignition events. The following
activities are included in the distribution grid hardening plan:
. Replace wood crossarms with fiberglass units
o Remove small copper wire
o lnstall wildlife guards (e.g. fuse holders, lightning arrestors, and transformer bushings)
o Replace wood poles with steel poles at 'high value' locations
(e.g. highway crossings, corner poles, and heavy equipment poles)
o Eliminate open wire secondary districts
o lnstall wedge/bail clamps at hot tap connection points
Pole fires are a significant contributor to wildfire risk. Each year there are approximately 90 pole fires on
Avista's distribution system, and the vast majority are related to wood on wood contact between
crossarms and poles.
The combinotion of wood poles with
fiberglass crossorms rorely cause pole top
fires. This is o proven tactic for reducing
the risk of utility involved fires ond is o
component of distribution grid hardening.
30 lPage
May28,2O2O
WILDFIRE RESITIENCY PtAN
Attachment A
Avista adopted the use of fiberglass crossarms in the early 2000's and has been replacing wood units
steadily since that time. However, many wood crossarms remain on the system. By replacing wood
crossarms in elevated fire risk areas, the number of pole fires can be significantly reduced. Of the grid
hardening efforts listed above, this is the most cost effective treatment to reduce fire risk. The following
table lists current outage rates for each treatment. The data is from the 20L4-20L8 operating period and
reflects an annual rate.
% of System
OutagesOutage DriverMaterialUnit Annua! Outage
Rate
Wood Crossarms
SmallCopper Wire
Wildlife Guards
Secondary Wire
Districts
Hot Tap Connection
Source
Pole Fires
Primary Conductor
Failures
Animal related outages
Secondary Conductor Failures
Primary Connector Failures
Totals
Avisto OMS 2074-2018
92
81
557
101
1,087
t.5%
L3%
9.Oo/o
1.6%
L.L%
L4.5%
69
Risk Evaluation: Distribution Grid Hardening
lnherent Risk Exposure (category %)
Managed Risk Exposure (category %)
Risk Mitigation (average %l
Total Capital lnvestment
Benefit:
31 lP.,r5:e
39.3-94.5
0.3-1.9
98%
Stgg million
D-13 Additional Dry Land Mode Circuit Reclosers
Recommendation: To install additional circuit reclosers in elevated fire threat areas
(40% System)
Cost:560O,OOO Capital lnvestment (55,400,000 total over 10 years)
S44,4OO Operating lnvestment (5444,000 total over 10 years)
Provide protection schemes that can adjusted for the wildfire threat
based on the operating location.
Midline circuit reclosers are often deployed on long distribution lines where substation-based
equipment cannot adequately protect the entire length of the circuit. Urban distribution lines are
typically 5 to 10 miles in length, while rural counterparts can extend hundreds of miles. As noted, Avista
is evaluating its current dry land program and, although that work is on-going, there is consensus that
additional equipment will help delineate elevated fire threat and non-WUl areas. lt is estimated that
upwards of 75 modern reclosers will be installed on the system, which is approximately one additional
t^vlt t)t lRl ttt !lt lt l'l( Y t,t At'l
2020-2029D-LGI L7 : Distribution Grid Hardening
May 28,2020
Attachment A
recloser for every two rural distribution circuits. The situation is illustrated on the following page where
elevated fire threat areas exists near the end of a distribution line.
Distribution
Main Trunk Line
Midline
Clrcult R.clo6rr
L - - - - -l
By adding circuit reclosers at strategic locations, Avista Distribution Operations can re-task those devices
during periods of elevated fire danger to operate in fire protection mode rather than reliability mode. A
proposed scheme is illustrated in the block diagram below.
fubst.tlon
Orcult Rcdoecr
lncreasing
Fire Threat
Conditions
NON.WUI
Avisto hos used o summer operoting
strotegy or "Dry Lond Mode" since the
eorly 2000's. Avisto onticipotes odopting
DLM to fire threat conditions ond re-
tosking circuit reclosers to align with field
conditions.
D-6 Dry Land Mode Effectiveness Study
Recommendation: To conduct an engineering review of Avista's Dry [and Mode protection
scheme (in-process since March 2O2Ol
Costs:
Benefit:
S100,000 Operating Expense (2 year engineering review)
More timely and responsive protection schemes that minimize fault
energy and reduce the potentialto start a wildfire.
During fire season, Avista operates a significant portion of the distribution system in what is referred to
as Dry Land Mode (DLM). Electric circuits in DLM mode are operated with auto-reclosing and
instantaneous overcurrent tripping disabled. ln this configuration, faults that occur on lateral circuits are
32 lPage WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Circuit Recloser added at
this locationfor DLM
i .'..ri, rl [: 'r' Fi :. '
lbllowHagWrmlry
(Dl"ir+)
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
cleared through fuse action while faults on trunk segments are cleared via circuit reclosers. During the
Avista wildfire workshops, engineers agreed that the dry land operating system could be improved. A
small work group was formed including several area engineers, the manager of protection engineering,
and electric servicemen. The group is expected to issue recommendations prior to the 2O2O fire season.
Most Avista circuit reclosers are configured with three automatic breaker trips and two reclose settings.
Normal and DLM modes are illustrated below.
Normal Configuration DtM
The initial recloser trip is generated via instantaneous overcurrent relay and accounts for only 5-10% of
total fault energy. The remaining recloser trips occur via time-delay relays and are coordinated with
downstream fuse devices. lf the fault is located downstream of a fuse, the fuse will blow and isolate the
faulted segment. However, if the fault is located on the main trunk line, the circuit recloser will go
through the automatic trip-reclose sequence to a final open, or lock-out condition. As the illustration
suggests, by limiting the circuit recloser to a single, time-delay trip, fault energy can potentially be
reduced by up to 50%.
33 lPage
May 28, 2020
WILDFIRE RESIlIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
D-B Dry Land Mode Trigger
Recommendation: To develop a fire threat index to determine when Avista initiates Dry
Land Mode (com , June 2019)
ln 2019, Avista's TechnicalServices group created a system to
gather information from the Wildland Fire Assessment System
(WFAS)l8 and used that information to determine when the
distribution system would be set to dry land conditions. The DLM
"trigge(' was established as:
1) When 30% of Avista's Electric Operating area is designated
as "High" fire threat, or
2l When 10% of the operating area is designated as "Very
High"
By providing a clear metric, Avista aligns its operations with fire threat conditions
Costs:
Benefit:
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation {average %}
Total Operating Expense
Total Capital lnvestment
S2,OO0 operating Expense per year (520,000 over 10 years)
System operations that are consistent with wildfire risk.
The GIS Technical Services group
creoted o f ire threot index mop for
electric operations. this doily repott
for )uly 18, 20L9 is shown for the north
ond south operating areas. Areas
indicoted with yellow, orange, ond red
highlights ore ossocioted with Hiqh,
Very High, and Extreme f ire danger.
Doto Source. USFS/WFAS, Missoula
Montona
S43-G9.0 million
56.2-L7.4 million
83%
Sss+,ooo
Ss.+ million
Risk Evaluation: Dry Land Mode Operating Program (D-6, D-8, and D-13)
18 Wildland Fire Assessment System (USFS), Missoula MT, wfas.net
34 ll',r1ro Wllt)f lR[ liFslllFt'l(Y []lAl'l
trilo
6,. I t
Dry Land Operating Program 2020-2029
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
ST-12 Transmission System Grid Hardening
Recommendation: To convert wood poles to steel structures in elevated fire threat areas
(20% System)
Cost:
Benefit:
35 lPage
55,000,0000 Capital lnvestment (544,000,000 tota! over 10 years )
Reduce the impact of wildfire on Avista's operating system.
Avista began installing tubular steeltransmission poles in the late 1980's, with full adoption of steel as a
standard material item in 2005. Since then, reconstruction projects have converted a number of circuits
from wood to steel, and that trend will continue. Though Avista is committed to steel conversion, one of
the objectives of the Wildfire Resiliency Plan is to accelerate that process in fire prone areas. The largest
capital transmission investment in this Plan is wood to steel conversion, at a cost of S44 million dollars
over a lO-year period. As noted, a significant risk to transmission lines is the impact from wildfires.
OIl.tac.t
f,gr
r.l llrAl
Avista's 230 kV system wos initially built
in the lote 1950's ond eorly 1960's, ofter
the construction of the Noxon Ropids
and Cobinet Gorge doms. ln 2003,
portions oJ the systenl were upgroded as
port of the West ol Hatwoi ogreement
with Bonneville Power. Severol wood
lines were converted to steel during thot
time period including:
t
w.rdd.b
A
SteelPole Be a co n - B o u ld e r - Rot h d r u m
Be newo h-Shaw nee ( new I i ne )
Beacon-Bell #5
,iffi
ll*erlo
lmtt
tlrol
Substation
Wood Pole
Avista 230 kV
Transmission
The overoge oge oJ tronsmission
wood poles is 54 yeors (2020 dato).Itfird lft ,
bo
Risk Evaluation: Transmission Grid Hardening (Wood to Steel Pole Conversion!
; tnherent Risk Exposure (catetory %l nla
Managed Risk Exposure (category %) , n/a
: Risk Mitigation (average %| :, n/a
TotalCapitaltnvestment $++ million
ta
WItDIIRE RTSILIENCY PLAN
fafiirt
hH.t
May 28, 2020
Attachment A
ST-10 Transmission lnspection Program
Recommendation: To conduct annual fire threat assessments of the transmission system
Cost:5200,000 operating Expense (52,000,000 total over 10 years )
S300,000 Capital lnvestment (53,000,000 total over 10 years)
ldentify and repair system defects prior to failure.Benefit:
Malaged Rlsk Exposylg
I Risk Mitigatlon {average %f
Total Operating Expense
i Total Capital tnvestment
Visual inspection of assets is a fundamentaltenet of any preventative maintenance plan. This is a widely
accepted process for generation power plants and electrical substations, but inspection of thousands of
miles of powerlines presents unique challenges. Transmission Engineering has conducted annual aerial
inspections for many years, and Avista will continue to leverage that experience. By identifying defects
before they present as equipment failures, inspections help to minimize fire ignition events. While
current programs are geared towards identifying reliability risk (e.g. Osprey nests, gunshot insulators,
cracked crossarms, woodpecker damage, etc.), a wildfire based approach focuses attention on other
factors:
A. Logging or other construction activities near
powerlines
B. Excessive conductor sag over agricultural or roadway
areas
C. Corroded attachment hardware
D. Disruptions or changes to the ground profile
E. Unauthorized attachments or encroachments
F. Thermal issues (e.g. hot splices or connectors)
G. Wood debris slash piles in right of way
This list is not intended to be a complete list, but rather to
contrast the differences between conve ntiona I inspections
based on reliability and those focused on preventing utility
involved wildfires.
Risk Evaluation: Transmission lnspection
lnherent Rr--sk Exposure $+-sS m:tlion
S1,1-2.6 million
94%
Sz trltillion
$g utllion
36 lPage
lncreasingly, UAVs or Drones are
being used to inspect powerlines.
Avista plans to deploy this technology
as part of Wildfire Resiliency.
May 28, 2020
WILDFIRE RESIIIENCY PIAN
Attachment A
5T-6 Transmission Wood Pole Fire Retardant Protection
Recommendation: Wrap wood poles with a fire-resistant materia!
Cost:
Benefit:
5250,000 operating Expense (52,450,000 total over 10 years )
Protect wood poles in grassland areas from the impacts of fire.
Fire damage to the Lolo-Oxbow 230 kV line in the early 2000's prompted Transmission Engineering to
initiate a fire retardant (FR) wood pole painting program. Wood transmission structures are painted
near ground line, which is an effective means of preventing damage caused by ground fires. Though
Avista has experience with Osmose'Fireguard', the paint product must be reapplied every three to five
years and the maintenance expense is on-going.
Avista has participated in a number of peer utility forums including Western Energy lnstitute's Wildfire
Task Force.le At that meeting, Southern California Edison (SCE) discussed their work with Genics
Corporation to develop a wire mesh product that is chemically reactive to extreme heat. As of this
writing, SCE has installed Fire-Mesh on over 1,300 poles and plans to fire wrap 20,000 more poles in
2020. Avista will adopt this program as part of their effort to protect transmission system wood poles
from the impact of grassland fires.
On Morch 3'd, 2020, Avisto
conducted o field test of the Genics
Fire-Mesh product. An FR wropped
pole wos subjected to o 3)-minute
fire ond sustoined only minor
domage. Unlike FR paint, this mesh
product does not require on-going
maintenonce ond con be opplied
much more eosily than paint.
Risk Evaluation: Wood Pole Fire Retardant Protection
i lnherent Risk Exposure , 59.5-28 million
Managed Risk Exposure 54.34.8 million
I Risk Mititation (average %| ' 76%
Totaloperating Expense 52.45 Million
le Western Energy lnstitute Wildfire Meeting July 19-20,2019, SDG&E
3TlPage WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PtAN
May 28,2O2O
En hanced Vegetation Management
Vegetation management is an integral part of maintaining overhead
electric distribution and transmission lines. Historically, utilities have
trimmed and removed trees with a focus on improving reliability and
reducing the frequency of outages. With the increasing threat of
wildfires as a result of poor forest health, past fire suppression
activities and periods of prolonged drought, Avista plans to enhance
vegetation management practices especially in elevated fire threat
areas.
For the five year period from 2014 to 2018, there were nearly 2,000
tree related events on Avista's electric distribution network.2o Though
tree induced fire outcomes are not specifically tracked, consensus
among Avista operating personnel suggests that vegetation contacts
with overhead powerlines represent a significant fire hazard. This is
consistent with other utility risk assessments.
Attachment A
2014 Windstorm Domoge
North
This Plan recommends the following enhanced vegetation management activities:
o Transmission and distribution system digital data collection (LIDAR)
o Fuel reduction partnerships
o Widening transmission rights of way
o Annual risk tree surveys
o Review and support of the Right Tree, Right Place customer safety initiative
The ten year cost forecast to implement a fire-informed, enhanced vegetation management program is
approximately SSf mitlion dollars and willsupplement current maintenance activities. These wildfire
specific vegetation management activities would be implemented in addition to, not in place ol the
regular five-year vegetation management cycle to maintain system reliability. The forecast of risks and
investments is summarized below.
i lnherent Risk (range %| 48.3-100
Managed Risk (range %) 3.2-L4.5
, Risk Mitigation (average %) 88Yo
TotalOperating Expense SS1.Z tvtillion
TotatCapital tnvestment SS.l Million
20 Avista Outage Management System, 20L4-20t8 dataset
38 lPage WItDFIRE RESItItNCY PtAN
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
D-10 Electric Distribution Annual Risk Tree
Recommendation: To identify and remove dead, dying, and diseased trees, or 'risk trees'
adjacent to distribution lines. (IOO% System)
Cost:
Benefit:
ln order to identify 'at-risk' trees, Avista plans to use a
combination of traditional, ground-based inspections and
aerial digital data collection. By identifying trees that are
dying or diseased, Avista can remove those trees that
represent a fall-in risk to nearby powerlines.
ln total, 40% of Avista's distribution system is located in
elevated fire risk areas (see the WUI map on the following
page). During the five year period between 2014 and 2018,
503 trees fell into electric distribution lines during the late
spring and summer months (May-September). ln total, trees
account for nearly 400 outages per year with fall-in events
outnumbering grow-ins by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. ln short,
most tree related outages are caused by trees located
outside of the right-of-way falling into powerlines. And,
vegetation contacts during periods of moderate to high
winds represent a significant contributor to the fire risk
profile. This is a combination that the Wildfire Resiliency
Plan aims to mitigate.
Forests face an increasing threat of insects, drought, and poor
land management. A warming climate is contributing to these
factors and there is general consensus among foresters that
significant stem loss will occur over the next several decades.
The 2017 USDA Forest Health report includes drought
statistics that indicate wide-spread drought conditions from
39 lt'age
52,500,000 Operating Expense (525,500,000 total over 10 years )
Reduce interaction between vegetation and Avista's distribution
facilities.
Moisture dillerence
z-srcote(MDZ)
1s-2 (erdreme drought)
a--2- -1.5 (6evere drought)
E.-t-5- -t (moderate drought)
> -1- -o.5 (nild drotrgfrt)
> -O.H).s (neer rrcrrnal)r@lG EA >o.5-1 (mild surplus)
I >1-1.5 (moderab eurplus)
I >1.5-+ (severe aurplusfI.2 (extreme eurpfus)
@)Fotesledale.asrrz Ecoregion Eectbnboundary
WITDFIRL RLSIIIFNTY PIAN
May 28,2020
20 1 3- 20 17 P r e ci p itotion
o
J
lnterfece A
O
G.:
,o
E \
0
-j o o'
?ii;lj
I .i'
t,r
6
Eo
(
o;ftP..a-
I.a
'f
td,'&
ao'
o
1,
I,'I-'t
Attachment A
2015 to 2OL72r, with many areas rated as severe to extreme (see illustration). One might observe that
this is only a 3-year period and not indicative of an underlying trend. However, data from the S-year
period from 2013 to 2Ot7 indicates an even deeper drought, especia!!y throughout California and the
desert southwest.
Wildland Urban
lnterface (WU l)
Avista's WUI map indicates the
potential for utility caused wildfires
and their impact to homes and
communities. lt also represents
where treatment plans will be
targeted. Elevated fire threat is
noted as the Tier 2 (orange) and Tier
3 (red) areas and encompasses 40%
of Avista's electric distribution
system.
Risk Evaluation
The risk of trees falling into powerlines represents a significant financial cost, with the lO-year inherent
risk estimated that exceeds SZ.g dollars. The risk and cost-benefit estimates are indicated below.
tnherent Risk Exposure (category%l 2t.844.3
Managed Risk Exposure (category %)
1 Risk Mltlgation (average %l
Total Operating Expense s25.5 Million
21 U.S. Department of Agriculture, fs.fed.us/foresthealth/publications/conditionsreport_2017.pdf
40 lPage WltDrlRE RESILIENCY PtAN
83%
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
D-11 Public Safety lnitiative: "Right Tree, Right Place"
Recommendation: To contact customers located in elevated fire threat areas and work
with them to remove tall trees near (40% System).
Cost:
Benefit:
41 lPage
S1,000,000 Operating Expense (59,500,000 total over 10 years )
Reduce interaction between vegetation and Avista's operating system.
"Right Tree, Right Place"
Avista currently supports an approach to vegetation management called "right tree, right place."
Through this approach, Avista seeks to educate landowners about utility-compatible trees, and
publishes a brochure, which states , "Avisto provides a no-cost inspection and mitigotion to make the
following certoin tree-reloted situotions safe." The brochure includes a graphic (above) indicating that
only Type l, low growing, trees should be planted near powerlines.
ln the five year period trom20L4 to 2018, there were 322tree 'grow-in' incidents during the fire season
(May-September). Like tree fall-ins, these incidents tend to happen during windy days and thus elevate
the risk of starting and spreading a fire.
From a wildfire resiliency perspective, there is opportunity to build on and reshape this program, which
may include additional agency partnerships and public outreach, to minimize the fire-related risk
presented by trees coming into contact with Avista's electric system.
By partnering with fire agencies, such as Washington Department of Natural Resources and the ldaho
Department of Lands, Avista can reach residents living in elevated fire threat areas and work with them
WITDTIRL RLSILIEN(Y PIAN
May 28,2020
Attachment A
to remove incompatible trees. By incentivizing owners to remove tall growing trees, Avista can reduce
the risk of fire and the need to trim trees in the
futu re.
It is recommended that a "right tree, right place"
program be established similar to Avista's energy
efficiency rebate program. lt would allow
customers to submit a request and select from a
list of qualified contractors. This would ease the
burden on internal resources and encourage local
tree trimmers to become line clearance certified.
ln this Plan, the recommendation would focus on
areas associated with elevated fire risk. An
additional element of this program would be
partnership with fire agencies, such as Washington
Department of Natural Resources and the ldaho
Department of Lands, and to work with agency
partners to create fire-adapted communities.
Risk Evaluation
Trimming customer owned trees is a known dissatisfier. Customers sense a loss of control and perceive
the activity as 'happening to them' rather than 'occurring for them'. By providing customers with a
choice about removing trees, we promote a partnership focused on fire prevention rather than utility
operations.
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation (average %)
Total Operating Expense
42 lPage
May28,2O2O
S553-1,145 million
52.3-28.2 million
98%
59.5 Million
WItDFIRE RFSII IEI'J( Y PI AN
Type 7 low growing trees ore compotible with utility
overheod powerlines ond pose little or no threot to
their operotion.
2020-2029D-l1: Right Tree, Right Place Campaign
Attachment A
D-1,4 Distribution Digital Data Collection
Recommendation: Annual digital surveys of the elevated fire threat areas. lncludes
computer post processing (40% System).
Cost:
Benefit:
This element is similar in scope and function to
ST-5 "Transmission Digital Data Collection"
whereby LIDAR surveys, high resolution
photography, and infrared images would be
collected on Avista's overhead distribution lines
The project scope is limited to elevated fire
threat areas.
Avista operates 7,600 miles of overhead primary
distribution lines, and nearly 40% of those
facilities are located in elevated fire threat areas
However, unlike transmission, distribution lines
have lateral, branch circuits that make aerial
surveys difficult. Ground based techniques,
similar to Google Earth's Street View Project,
may be deployed in combination with
conventional and drone aircraft.
43 lPage
S1,000,000 Operating Expense (57,750,000 total over 10 years )
ldentify conflicts between vegetation and system structural defects
10%
6.5%
3%
50%
30.5%
Electric Distribution Outoge Rates
(Events/Year)
600 Overheod Equiprnent Foilures
400 Tree Reloted
200 U nde rgro u nd E q ui pme nt
3,100 Wind & Weather
1,890 Other Sources
(Source dato: Avisto outage ntonogentent systenl
2014 2018)
Avista maintains distribution vegetation on a five year cycle, or about 20% of the system per year. This
includes trimming trees and removing trees. This is a reliability-based approach generally known as
'routine maintenance'. By deploying annual digita! inspections, Avista willtransition towards a more
'risk-informed' approach combining elements of fire threat risk (i.e. WUI Map and lnfrastructure Health
lndex) with the volume of vegetation and the proximity to energized lines and equipment. Though this
treatment is justified solely on its ability to identify potential vegetation conflicts, high resolution
photography and infrared imagery also support structural inspections. A number of use cases have been
identified.
wIDliRf titjsiltFNCY t,tn t!
May 28,2O2O
lnherent Risk Exposure (category %)
Managed Risk Exposure (category %)
Risk Mitigation (average %)
Total Operating Expense
Attachment A
LIDAR USE CASES:
. VegetationVolume & Proximity (Grown-in Risk). DangerTree(Fall-inRisk). RAItt Encroachment (buildings, roads, utilities). Joint Use lnventory(billing). Conductor tine Clearance (NESCViolations)
IMAGERY USE CA5E5:
. Equipment Damage (broken x-arms, leaking transformen). Change Detection (open fuse bank, blrd nest, attachment). Hot Spot Detection (spllces, connecton, insulators). Equipment Inventory (added to GIS system of record)
21.8-44.3
L.O-4.4
92%
Sz.zs tvtitlion
LIDAR Survey
Hi Res
Photo
lnfrared
lmage
Risk Evaluation
Annual risk tree and digital data collection rank at the top of treatment options to reduce the
opportunity for powerline fire ignitions. Maintaining an accurate inventory of both infrastructure and
vegetation in the elevated fire threat areas is a critical component of fire resiliency.
441
D-14: Distribution Digital Oata Collection 2020-2029
May 28,2020
Attachment A
ST-5 Transmission System Digital Data Collection
Recommendation: Annual digital survey of the transmission system (LOO%I
Cost:
Benefit:
5750,000 Operating Expense (56,825,000 total over 10 years )
ldentify potential conflicts with vegetation and structure defects.
Avista operates 700 miles of 230 kV
and 1,570 miles of 115 kV
transmission lines throughout
eastern Washington, northern
ldaho, and western Montana.22
Vegetation management of the
transmission grid is subject to NERC
regu lation FAC-003-4 which
requires that all 230 kV and select
115 kV circuits be patrolled
annually to assess vegetation
growth both in the right-of-way
(encroachment) and adjacent to the
right-of-way (fall-in risk). Since
2006, Avista has conducted annual
aerial patrols as part of the
Compa ny's Tra nsmission
Vegetation Management Plan
(WMP).23 The regulatory focus on
transmission has helped reduce conflicts between vegetation and powerlines, and adding fire-informed,
risk-based elements to existing programs, Wildfire Resiliency aims to build upon that success.
lncreasingly, utilities are using LIDAR (light detection and ranging) to assess vegetation encroachment of
overhead powerlines. The ability to collect survey data via an aerial platform is a significant advantage
over ground-based techniques. This technology is helping vegetation managers identify, prescribe
treatments, and audit field work using machine learning computer algorithms.
Since transmission lines are linear features and located within established corridors, data can be
collected via fixed wing aircraft equipped with multiple instruments including LIDAR, Hi-Resolution
cameras, and near-infrared detectors.
By collecting data annually, Avista vegetation and asset managers can detect changes from year to year,
including unauthorized encroachments, as well as assess the proximity to vegetation, and quantify the
risk of tree fall-ins. Transitioning from human based inspections to digital data collection will have a
substantial impact on data accuracy, work processes, productivity, and record keeping.
22 2019 Avista Quick Facts
23 Avista Transmission Vegetation Management Plan, see Addendum
45 lt'age WltDtlRl ttL!ltltN(Y t'l/rN
May 28,2020
Attachment A
Risk Evaluation
The relatively low risk of contact between vegetation and transmission lines reflects Avista's
commitment to comply with NERC regulation FAC 003-4. Between 2014 and 2018, only 21 tree related
outages were reported on the transmission system.2a Though collecting digital data will improve our
ability to identify both tree grow-in and fall-in risks, benefits extend beyond vegetation management
and include the ability to automate the structure inspections, detect thermal hot-spots, and conduct
field work audits.
lnherent Risk (Sl
Managed Risk ($l
Risk Mitigation (average %|
Total Operating Expense
Cost:
Benefit:
ST-9 ConformingTransmission Rights-of-Way
Recommendation: Widen transmission line rights-of-way in elevated fire risk areas
(20% System)
S9.5 - S17.7 Million
s0.9 - s2.4 Million
88%
56.8 Million
5500,000 Capital lnvestment (55,000,000 total over 10 years )
Reduce interaction between vegetation and Avista's transmission
facilities.
Typically, transmission line corridors are established via
negotiations with private landowners and include a centerline
description and specify width (e.9. 50-100 feet wide). Avista
transmission lines have standard width requirements:
o 230 kV- 100 feet
o 115 kV H-frame (2 pole)- 50 feet
r 115 kV single pole - 50 feet
Although, variations exist in particular circumstances, standard
corridor widths provide sufficient clearance between conductors
and adjacent vegetation. However, some historic transmission line
easements do not meet today's standards and elevate the risk of
vegetation contacts. Likewise, transmission circuits located in
public road rights-of-way do not necessarily allow Avista to
manage vegetation on adjacent properties.
CDA-Rothdrum 115 kV along US Hwy 95
The photograph on the right shows a 115 kV line routed along US
Highway 95 near Hayden, ldaho. Trees located on the adjacent property cannot be managed without
2a Avista Outage Management System, 20L4-20L8 dataset
46 lPage WltDilRF IrESltltt.I (Y PIAN
ST-5: Transmission Digital Data Collection 2020-2029
May 28,202O
Attachment A
owner consent. By addressing these areas through easement acquisition, Avista reduces vegetation
risks.
Risk Evaluation
At the time of this report, Avista has not conducted a complete inventory of corridor agreements. lt is
important to note that easements obtained prior to 1950 are generally 'non-width specific'. Although
courts have interpreted these easements as conforming to current standards, the risk of disputes with
adjacent landowners still exist. Likewise, circuits located on public road rights-of-way do not allow for
vegetation management on adjacent properties.
While the cost-benefit ratio for this activity is relatively low, benefit calculations from the fire risk
workshops did not take into account the ability to maintain and reconstruct facilities. Expanding corridor
'rights' drives benefits that go beyond the risk of wildfire.
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation (average %!
Total Capital lnvestment
Cost:
Benefit:
S4.8 - S8.8 Million
So.2 - S1.4 Mittion
88%
Ss lvtillion
S167,000 Operating Expense (S1,500,000 total
Reduce fuel loading near operating facilities an
relationships with fire first responders.
ducted by the local Fire
over 9 years )
d strengthen working
ST-7 Fuel Reduction Partnerships
Recommendation: Participate in annual fuel reduction efforts con
Districts (9,9, w-gshinsol DN!, tda!9 !oL)
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has embarked on a 2O-year plan to improve
forest health on 2.7 million acres of forest land in central and eastern Washington. As Hilary Franz,
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands, states: "We hove a lorest health crisis in our stote....... Hot,
dry conditions coupled with diseosed and dying forests ore leading to explosive wildfires.'as ln 2077, a
record number of wildfires (1,850) cost Washington taxpayers over StSO million in suppression costs
alone. Since 1970, both the number and size of wildfires has increased substantially. The United States
Forest Service (USFS) estimates that large fires have tripled in number since 1970 and the lengh of the
wildfire season is now 100 days longer.26
2s lnternet Website: dnr.wa.gov
26 Climate Central, Western Wildfires, 2016
47 ll',rr.t, \ryltI)IIRF ti[Sllltl"] (Y I'lAl'J
2020-2029ST-9: Conforming Transmission Rights-of-Way
May 28, 2020
Attachment A
By partnering directly with fire protection
agencies including the Washington Department
of Natural Resources and the ldaho Department
of Lands, Avista plans to work alongside forest
thinning and brushing crews to remove excess
fuels and to reduce the severity of future fires.
Projects that remove fuels near critical
infrastructure such as the Beacon Hill area (see
photograph) are an opportunity to both reduce
fire risk and to strengthen relationships
between Avista and fire protection personnel.
Over the course of Plan development, Avista has
met with several fire protection agencies and a building ond threotened severol tronsmission circuits. Residents
recurring theme has emerged : lt is importont were evacuoted os the fire spreod to over 7(D acres. over 50
thot Avisto operoting personnel maintain strong fire engines responded to the bloze'
working relationships with locol ond state fire
agencies. This Plan contains opportunities to strengthen those relationships through joint training and
simulation exercises, joint efforts to promote fire-adapted communities, and through fuel reduction
projects.
The following graph illustrates the correlation between hotter summers and large fires on federal lands.
Hotter Years Typican[ Have I'lore Large Fires
neor moin
IN IDAHO, THE NUMBER OF
LARGE FIRES ON FEDERAT
LANDS HAS INCREASED
FROM 10 (1970) TO OVER 30
PER YEAR.
IN 2009, OVER 1.5 MILLION
ACRES OF FEDERAL LANDS
WERE IMPACTED BY
WITDFIRES IN IDAHO
Av.ro ge Sprlrrg/Sutiltlor
ianrpentrrer trFl
LrgoFln:sorr
hrartSarvie Lard
I
B
!,,I
s
$
43lPage
.trrtmd l^rprhrrnxtffitollmtffi
!6rilCgltffi !.rr!ellrltlodnliclM CinrnarrqFaclul F rnrs.#hodtficrl :!r r r:! fll) c sir lx
While Federal and State efforts to improve forest health involve widespread thinning and prescribed
burns, Avista's approach will target areas adjacent to critical infrastructure and be performed in
conjunction with localfire districts. Recent work with local fire districts, together with the ldaho
Department of Lands and Washington DNR, have already identified several potential projects.
WILDFIRE RESIIIINCY PIAN
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
Risk Evaluation
While Avista cannot reasonably marshal resources to impact forest health on a landscape level, it can
support local efforts to conduct mechanicalthinning and prescribed burns. Avista plans to invest
S150,000 annually to assist with local efforts to reduce fuel loading.
D-4 lncorporating Vegetation [Vanagement into Distribution Designs
Recommendation: lncorporate vegetation clearing into distribution design packages
(addition to work process)
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation (average %)
Total Operating Expense
Cost:
Benefit:
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation {average %}
Total Capital lnvestment
49 lt'a5t,
S15 - S29 Minion
53 - S29 Million
27Yo
St.s tvtillion
S10,000 capital labor ($100,000 total over 10 years )
Reduce interaction of vegetation with Avista's distribution facilities
S20 - S278 Million
S1o - S21 Million
9O%o
Sloo,ooo
During the Avista Wildfire Risk Workshops, participants cited examples of electric distribution designs in
conflict with existing vegetation. By incorporating vegetation treatment into the design process,
potential conflicts are addressed prior to construction. This is largely a training exercise for the
Construction Project Coordinator (CPC) department, but does add to the overall design effort and
requires coordination between construction and vegetation management functions.
Risk Evaluation
\^/lt tll lut l{[ 5il ll l"i( Y t'l Al.J
ST-7: Fuel Reduction Partnerships 2020-2029
D-4: !ncorporating Vegetation ManaBement into
Distribution Designs 2020-2029
May 28,2020
Attachment A
Situational Awareness
The ability to monitor and control electric transmission and distrlbution equipment is critical when
responding to wildfires. This effort will leverage existing systems including Transmission SCADA
(supervisory control and data acquisition), Distribution DMS (distribution management system), and AMI
(automated meter infrastructure or "smart meters"). These systems are known technologies and offer
scalable opportunities to enhance wildfire resiliency.
ln addition to leveraging existing systems, Avista will develop a "Fire-Weathe/' dashboard, combining
elements of weather forecasting and fire threat assessment. This computerized system will help system
operators, district managers, and area engineers make informed decisions related to fire risk potential
and estimated fire impact spread & severity.
Avista's Wildfire situational awareness plan consists of three elements:
r Fire-WeatherDashboard
o Substation Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA)
r Distribution MidlineEquipmentCommunications
The lO-year cost to fully implement these treatments is S19 million dollars and may mitigate the current
state categorical risk by as much as 98o/o. A summary forecast of costs and risks are shown below.
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation (average %f
Operating Expense 2O2O -VlO29
I Capitat lnYestment 2O2O-2O29
50 lPage
May28,2O2O
151 -Million
55 - 57 Million
98%
ii Mtttion
St8 uillion
WILDFIRI RESILIENCY PLAN
Midline CommunicationsSubstation SCADAFire-Weather Dashboard
2020-2029Situational Awareness
Attachment A
D-L5 Substation SCADA
Recommendation: To retrofit supervisory contro! and data acquisition systems (SCADA)
into elevated fire risk area substations (40% Distribution System).
Cost:52,000,000 Capital lnvestment (517,000,000 tota! over 10 years)
59,700 Operating Expense (597,000 total over 10 years)
Provide ability to adjust protection equipment based on the imminent
fire risk and weather conditions.
33 Avistd Substotions are not
currently equipped with control
and monitoring systems (SCADA)
Benefit:
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems or
SCADA, are used in many industries to monitor and control
manufacturing plants, national defense systems, and utility
inf rastructu re, including generation plant a nd transmission
circuit infrastructure. These systems, originally deployed in
the late 1950's and early L97O's, have matured to current
'fou rth generation' web-based systems. Avista operates
approximately 175 substations, ranging from very large, 500 MVA 230-115 kV transmission stations, to
small, rural distribution stations. While Avista's transmission system is fully SCADA integrated, a number
of distribution stations are not eouiooed with remote monitoring and control svstems. A majority of
these rural stations are located in elevated fire risk areas.
Avista operates 33 substations without SCADA. These stations are effectively'darK, without any remote
sensing, monitoring, or equipment control systems. Though substations are designed to operate
autonomously, the inability to adjust protection systems based on weather conditions or de-energize
electrical circuits in an emergency elevates the safety risk for emergency first responders.
One of the elements of Avista's strategy is to align circuit protection schemes with fire threat conditions
(see Dry Land Mode). During the fire season, Avista operates a number of distribution lines in non-
reclosing mode, which reduces fault
energy by 40-50%. However, weather
forecasts that indicate high
temperatures and high winds may
warrant a more sensitive protection
regime, such as TripReclose-Trip, where
circuit reclosers rely on instantaneous
rather than time-delay tripping. This
could reduce fault energy by as much as
70-80%.
By adding SCADA, system operators can
issue instructions to recloser units and
effect changes. Without these systems,
servicemen must be dispatched to the
substations to manually effect the
51 lPage
l ) l , l l Lt r. t t r,' l
Ctttt.l I r:,,.'i rr,,,,i:
,i. \/c 1,r,1,
{lr',-tIL.ii>t,
i r,:l fr rr^.r'l
,;1ir':r',tr
:lf i','\/.i)
1 I 5 l.\,',
lt.ll]\trt r'til)rl
Cirr. lr t
May28,2O2O
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
change. ln a dynamic system, manual intervention is not practical and may lead to prolonged customer
outages and elevated risk.
Circuit Recloser
Relays
Modern circuit reclosers are
controlled via microprocessor
relays. ln this photograph, a
Schweitzer SEL-351R relay is
being tested prior to installation
Equipment connected to
commu nication systems (SCADA
& DMS)are continuously
monitored and capable of
remote operation. This
functionality is an important
element in Avista's wildfire
strategy.
Risk Evaluation
Avista plans to install SCADA at 33 substations based on their location within the Wildland Urban
lnterface. Elevated fire threat areas (Tier 2/3) would be prioritized over non-WUl and WUI Tier 1 areas.
Inheren! Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation (average %|
To-ta! Operating Expense
Total Capital lnvestment
52 lPage
May 28, 2020
s132 -7 Million
100%
5sz,ooo
Stz vtitlion
So - S1.G Million
D-15: Substation SCADA 2020-2029
WIIDFIRF RESILIENCY PtAN
Attachment A
D-12 Distribution Management System (DMS) Communication
Recommendation: To retrofit circuit reclosers with communication systems and enable
control and monitoring of equipment in elevated fire threat areas
(40% System)
Cost:560,000 Capital lnvestment (5540,000 total over 10 years )
530,000 Operating Expense ISZIZ,OOO total over 10 years)
Extending communications for circuit reclosers enables remote
operation, and allows operators to align protection schemes with
current fire threat conditions
Benefit:
As part of the 2010 Spokane and Pullman Smart Grid projects,
Avista installed a Distribution Management System, or DMS, to
collect data from circuit reclosers, voltage regulators, and
capacitor banks. DMS is similar to SCADA, but is specific to
distribution and can collect data from both substation and
powerline devices. However, a number of circuit reclosers
located in elevated fire risk areas lack communications and are
not included in the DMS system. Extending communications to
these devices is like the SCADA initiative and willenable remote
monitoring and control of these devices.
tused lateral
Clrcults
M.ln llunk
(No Fus6l
Sub6ladon
Orcult Rcclosrr
(scADAl
53 lPage
E me rge ncy fi rst responde rs
rely on Avista's ability to de-
energize electric lines
near wildfires
i
I
I
I
L
Eledric Distribution Line Proteaion
Avisto operotes 7,600 miles of overheod distribution line ond 40% of thot system is locoted in elevoted fire
risk areos. This diogram indicotes o typicol distribution configurotion, with o moin tunk protected vio
circuit reclosers (substotion ond midline) ond loterol circuits protected vio fuse links. Circuit reclosers are
similor to household breakers ond operote (open) when foult overcurrent is detected. Foults thot occur on
loterol circuits ore interrupted when o fuse link opens (thermol operation).
By odding communications to midline circuit reclosers, Avisto odds monitoring ond controlfunctionolity,
including the obility to operote the device remotely.
May 28,2O2O
WITDIIRE RESITIENCY PLAN
Attachment A
Fuse Link Assembly Cutout Midline Circuit Recloser
Risk Evaluation
Extending communications to circuit reclosers enables remote operation and allows operators to adapt
protection schemes to align with current fire threat conditions. For example, Avista may install Hot Line
Holds (one shot tripping, no automatic reclose) during red flag warnings. Reducing the potential for
spark ignition is an important component of Avista's strategy and adapting system protection to fire
threat conditions helps to achieve those goals.
lnherent Risk Exposure S14.6 - $29 Miltion
Managed Risk Expos_91e
, nisk trltitigation (avcrage %l
Total Operating Expense
Total Capital lnvestment
s250,000 - 28o,ooo
'99%
i)tz,ooo
, $sao,boo
54 lPage
2020-2029D-12: DMS Communications
May 28, 2020
WITDFIRI RESILIENCY PIAN
Cost:
Benefit:
Attachment A
ST-2 Fire-WeatherDashboard
Recommendation: Combine weather forecast and fire threat data into a fire predictive,
web-based ram.
S150,000 Capital lnvestment (5425,000 tota! over 3 years )
575,000 Operating Expense (56SO,OOo total over 10 years)
Better understand and respond to the potential impact of weather
conditions on Avista's operating system.
Avisto System Operations declared "Dry Land
Operoting Conditions" on luly 23, 2019 based
on data from the Wildlond Fire Assessment
System (WFAS).
The Wildland Fire Assessment System (WFAS)
operated by the USFS in Missoula, Montana,
provides near realtime information on fire
threat conditions. This information is an
important tool in determining both the
probability and impact of wildfires.
The precision of weather forecasting and,
especially, micro climate forecasting, has
significantly improved over the last few decades.
Advancements in forecasting, coupled with broadband communication has made weather information
more available than ever before. Prevailing weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and
especially wind, are key factors in fire behavior. By combining fire threat information with forecasted
weather, system planners, operators, and field personnel are better equipped to predict and respond to
wildfires.
Doto from the Notional
Weother Service for Post
Falls, ldsho (3/3/20).
Te mpe ratu re, h u mid ity,
and wind levels ore
important foctors in
predicting wildfires.
55!Page WITDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
May 28,2O2O
Attachment A
By combining information from the Wildland Fire Assessment System (WFAS) and the National Weather
Service (NWS), Avista will be able to quantify fire risk by service territory. An example is shown below. At
the time of this report, o detoiled scoping of the "Fire-Weother Dashboord" is not yet complete.
96 hourJuly 16, 2020 48 Hour
Service Area
Sandpoint i
CDA
Kellogg
St. Maries
Lewiston
Grangeville
Deer Park
Spokane
othello
Davenport
Pullman
Temp
FO
Hi/Lo
821s4
86/s8
8o/so
82lso
92168
8s/50
B8is8
821s4
861s4
88162
8s/s5
78lSs
Wind
mph
Gust/Sust
L2/4
L6ls
L2ls
t4l4
28l1it
35rrL5
812
612
4i2
1212
8/4
22114
Fire
lndex
DLM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
TRT
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
Temp
HilLo
esl78
LOL(82
s2/68
9sl66
Lt2l8s
LO8l76
L02/80
s817s
99/74
LOO178
96176
ssl6s
Wind
Gust/Sust
s2122
6214s
s1-.l20
32lts
L2ls
8/4
1616
tzl6
t6le
sl2
612
1218
Fire
lndex
DLM
I!EC
EC
EC
E
H
H
H
H
H
M
M
H
M
M
H
H
H
E
M
L
M
M
M
H
TRT
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
NOM
Legend: Fire lndex (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme, Extreme Cotostrophic)
Dry Lond Mode (Nominal, Trip-Reclose-Trip, Hot-Line-Hold)
This is illustration indicates how fire threat indicators might be combined with weather forecasts to
influence Avista's operating systems, such as Dry Land Mode. Other activities, including EOP pre-
activation and staging first responders, may also be informed through this system.
Risk Evaluation
Developing a fire-weather dashboard will not reduce fire risk on a standalone basis, however, this
information is vital to adapting operations and emergency response to the potential for wildfire.
lnherent Risk Exposure
Managed Risk Exposure
Risk Mitigation (average %l
Total Operating Expense
Total Capita! lnvestment
55 lr'.r ;t'
May 28,2020
S+.9 - S8.8 Million
54.3 - S4.8 Million
33%
s650,000
s425,ooo
\'v-ll frt lt{f t{i Sll lt n( Y PI Al\j
2020-2029ST-2: Fire-Weather Dashboard I
Attachment A
Operations & Emergency Response
The primary objective of Wildfire Resiliency is to reduce the number of utility involved ignition events
and to minimize the damage of infrastructure due to wildfires. The bulk of that effort is rooted in long-
term planning and implementation of methods to clear vegetation away from powerlines and to protect
infrastructure from fire damage. Meeting these objectives requires a steadfast and committed approach
to investing in the energy delivery system. Wildfires will continue to occur, and Wildfire Resiliency
includes support elements such as first responder training, defining the role of engineering during major
events, and establishing wildfire metrics.
Historically, Avista's response to wildfire has been similar to other large scale weather events, with a
focus towards outage service restoration. Though major storms present employee and public safety
challenges, wildfire is particularly acute with respect to safety. ln addition to mitigating the risk of
wildfire, Avista plans to:
1. Prioritize public and worker safety over customer restoration.
2. Recognize wildfire response as a shared responsibility with other emergency first responders.
3. Use performance metrics to adjust and align planned future actions.
Plan elements in this category include:
o Emergency Operating Program (EOP) document review & fire incident command representativeo Transmission design review of major events
o Wildfire performance metricso Emergency first responder training
. Expedited fire response (2020 pilot project)
o Comprehensive fuse coordination review
o Circuit recloser event reportingo Fire ignition tracking system
o Fire suppression chemical additive
o Wildland urban interface layer in Avista's GIS data systemo ARCOS system wildfire notification operating procedure
The cost to align operating tactics with Wildfire Resiliency is S2.7 million over 10 years. However, this is
projected to reduce risk exposure by several hundred million dollars.
lnherent Risk Exposure (category %)
Managed Risk Exposure (category %)
Risk Mitigation (average %l
Total Operating Expense
Total Capita! lnvestment
57 lPage:
19.7-to0
5.3-23.4
76%
s2,379,000
S3oo,ooo
Wll llllRt Ht 5ll lE l!( Y I't /iN
Operations & Emergency Response 2020-2029
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
Tronsmission & System Operotions
Recommendation: ST-1 Formalize EOP response to large scale wildfire events
ST- 3 Transmission engineering review after major events
ST-4 Establish wildfire resiliency metrics
5T-8 Conduct annual fire safety and electrical hazard training
ST-11 Expedited fire district response following transmission line faults
Cost:S160,000 Operating expense (S1,593,000 total over 10 years)
S10,000 Capital investment (S100,000 total over 10 years)
Enhanced awareness and response to wildfire events.
Five treatments are described in this section which encompass the overall energy delivery operating
environment. Those elements include:
o Emergency Operating Program Review & Fire lncident Command Representative
o Transmission Design Review of Major Eventso Wildfire Performance Metrics
o Emergency First Responder Training
o Expedited Fire Response (2020 Pilot Project)
Benefit:
58 lPa1re
May28,2O2O
ST-1 Emergency Operating Program (EOP)
Since 2014, Avista has activated the electric EOP, or
incident command structure, 15 times, including the
Company's largest event, the windstorm in November
of 2015. By declaring an EOP, Avista operations shifts to
emergency response, with service restoration as the
primary objective.
Avista Electric EOP
201,4-20L9
Wildfires present a number of safety related challenges.
ln August of 2015, Avista activated an EOP in response
to numerous wildfires across the service territory. The
largest of these fires was the Carpenter Road Fire near
Davenport, Washington which impacted 54,000 acres
and involved over 1,000 firefighters. Evacuation orders
were issued for residents throughout the Springdale-
Hunters area and approximately 42 structures were wildfire wind Event snow storm safety
damaged or destroyed by the blaze. Though Avista has
a long history of responding to wildfire events, it recognizes wildfire as separate and distinct from storm
events. Therefore, Avista plans to implement the following changes to its EOP program:
1. Conduct an EOP document review to align with Wildfire Resiliency
2. Formalize resource commitments to Fire lncident Command (Avista Fire Representative)
\lttr)F tt{[ tiE5rL tIN( Y Pt Ahl
Attachment A
ln most large wildfire situations, local response (city, county) is superseded by state and federal
authorities. ln Washington State, the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for most non-
federal fire suppression, and in ldaho, the Department of Lands takes the lead. ln either state, responses
to fires larger than 100 acres triggers a Fire lncident Command Structure (lCS). While Avista has a long
history of working closely with fire protection agencies, divisional operations managers have
committed to embed Avista field personnel into the Fire lCS. A basic flow-process diagram is indicated
below. The primary duty of the Avista representative is to serve as the liaison between the fire lncident
Commander and Avista.
Embedding Avisto Personnel into Fire lncident Commond Structure
ST-3 Transmission Design's Role in Major Event Response
The reconstruction cost of overhead transmission lines ranges from 5500,000 to over $t million dollars
per mile. This is in sharp contrast to electric distribution facilities which typically range from $150,000 -
5250,000 per mile in rural areas. During the wildfire workshops, engineers and system operators
estimated that wildfires impact transmission lines 2 to 4 times per year. Though electric operations is
responsible for restoration, during large scale events, transmission design shall be consulted to conduct
damage assessments prior to reconstruction.
Minima Structure Damage
Customers without power
Safety lssue (e.g. highway crossing)
lsolated Event
59 lPase
lnitial Check-
ln with Fire lC
Attends Daily
ICS Briefing(s)
Liason
between Fire
ICS and AvistaManager
Oamagq
d.nq8ps
to
orandthlrdProperty party
M{orEvent
Transmission Design Consulted Prior
to Reconstruction
May 28,2O2O
WII. DFIRT RESIIITNCY T'LAN
Attachment A
ST-4 Wildfire Program Metrics
Electric reliability is determined through a series of metrics established by the lnstitute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and includes outage frequency and duration. lndices such as MAIFI
(momentary outage frequency), SAIDI (sustained outage duration), and CEMI (customers experiencing
multiple interruptions) are commonplace throughout the industry. ln contrast, fire metrics are
characterized as the number of acres burned, suppression costs, structures damaged, and injuries.
Though Avista does track some fire-related information, such as the number of pole fires, it does not
have a systematic approach to quantifli the effectiveness of wildfire resiliency measures.
It is recommended that Avista implement a set of performance measures to quantify and better
understand the risk of wildfire on operating systems. The performance measures should allow for
evaluation and continuous improvement.
The Plan-Do{heck-Act modelis a
continuous improvement technique
also known as the Deming Circle or
Shewhart Cycle. Establishing wildfire
metrics partially fulfills the 'Check'
component and drives adjustments to
Plan strategies and tactics. Though
the Plan must adapt to ever-changing
climatic, social, and political
influences, the objectives are clear:
Emergency Readiness, Public Safety,
and Financial Protection.
t
PLAN DO
T
ACT CH ECK
I
€=
ST-8 Wildfire Training for Avista First Responders
Avista electric operations employees are located in 12 districts ranging from Colville to Grangeville and
from Kellogg to Othello. Avista employs over 550 electric line workers who are trained as emergency
first responders. As part of this Plan, divisional managers are responsible for conducting basic fire
training at one of their monthly safety meetings. Where feasible, managers would involve a fire agency
professional to conduct training in the April-May timeframe prior to start of fire season. Though there is
consensus among division managers that Avista first responders should have basic firefighting and fire
safety training, a core tenant of this Plan is to promote and strengthen relationships with fire agencies.
By conducting joint training and emergency response simulations, Avista plans to support those key
relationships.
60 lPag,e
May 28,2020
WIIDTIRI 11 tSItIEhI CY PIAN
Attachment A
ST-9 Expedited Fire Response
It is recommended that Avista implement expedited response for potential fire related disturbances on
the transmission system.
Avista's outage management system (OMS) is used to track electric events on both the transmission and
distribution networks. As noted, sustained distribution outages are 50 times more prevalent than
transmission events. However, 80% of transmission events are characterized as momentary and
generally involve the automatic reclosing of circuit breakers to restore power. Though distribution line
faults may cause spark ignitions, distribution events generally involve Avista crew response. However, if
a transmission line successfully trips and then recloses, no Avista response is triggered.
During the development of this Plan, Avista engaged fire agency professionals, including Washington
DNR and ldaho lDL, together with Spokane County Fire Districts. lt was through these conversations that
the concept of Exoedited Fire Response was developed. During dry land mode operations, Avista
System Operator will initiate a 911 call whenever there is an isolated transmission fault. Subsequently,
fire fighters will be dispatched to the scene.
At the time of this report, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is under review with Spokane
County Fire to conduct a 'pilot project' during the 2020 fire season. For purposes of the pilot, the
program will extend only to the Spokane County boundaries, and will align with Avista's seasonal
declaration of Dry Land Conditions (typical July-September).
Risk Evaluation
The following table summarizes the risks and estimated 10-year costs associated with the transmission
system elements of wildfire operations and emergency response.
lnherent Risk Managed Risk Risk Capital Operating
($ Millions) (S Millions) Mitigation (%) lnvestment (S) Expense ($)
S13.Gs S13.G5 o Sso,ooos3.95 s1.65 58o/o SIOO,OOO
EOP & Fire lCS
Engineering
Design Review
Wildfire Metrics
First Responder
Training
Expedited
Response
Total
61 lPage
May 28,2O2O
Srg.a
s2.0s
Not
evaluated
$33.sM
s2.4s
So.e
$18.3M
82o/o
71%
7S%$loo,ooo
5150,000
S1,3oo,ooo
s93,ooo
$1,s93,000
Wltt)t lRt RtSll IEN(Y PtAN
Attachment A
E lectric Distri b utio n O pe rotio n s
Recommendation:D-1 Conduct annual distribution fuse coordination assessment
D-2 Evaluate circuit recloser event data to ensure nominal operation
D-3 Track the number of powerline caused fire ignitions
D-5 Add chemicaladditives to field crew'water cans'
D-7 Deploy the Wildland Urban lnterface data-set to the GIS system
D-9 Use ARCOS to notify key personnel in the event of wildfire
Six elements are included in this section:
o Fuse Coordination Study
o Circuit Recloser Event Reporting
o Fire lgnition Tracking System
r Fire Suppression Water Additive
o WUI Layer in Avista GIS
o ARCOS Wildfire Notification System
As noted, electric distribution facilities account for 5,200 unplanned outages per year with a number of
these events occurring during the fire season. Though the bulk of distribution risk reduction is
associated with enhanced vegetation management and grid hardening, those treatments occur on a
long term planning horizon. Elements described in this section inform the near-term operating horizon.
Cost:
Benefit:
D-1 Fuse Coordination Study
It is recommenced that Avista ensure
proper fuse sizing and coordination on an
annual basis.
Fuses are an important element in the
protection of electric distribution systems.
Avista's distribution system is configured
as a trunk and lateral system, with lateral
circuits protected via fuse links and trunk
lines protected via circuit reclosers.
Avista's Area Engineers are accountable
for ensuring that fuse sizes and types
operate in a coordinated fashion. ln
simple terms, fuses closest to loads are
smallest with increasing fuse size towards
the trunk connection (see illustration).
570,000 Capita! lnvestment (SZOO,OOO total over 3 years )
578,500 Operating expense (Sz8S,OOO total over 10 years)
Enhanced distribution operations and fire response.
upstream
40T Fuse
15T Fuse
6K Fuse
Downstream
62 lPage
May28,2020
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PIAN
Attachment A
D-2 Circuit Recloser Event Reporting
It is recommended to analyze recloser event reports to determine that protection systems are operating
nominally.
Protection Engineering keeps a log of all transmission line circuit breaker operations and ensures that
devices and relays are operating nominally. As communication systems become available to distribution
devices, so does the ability to remotely access data from circuit reclosers. To ensure that reclosers are
operating nominally and are coordinated with downstream fuse links, it is imperative that system events
be analyzed by technical staff.
D-3 Fire lgnition Tracking System
It is recommended to implement a fire ignition tracking system to better understand and respond to fire
events.
As noted, Avista's Outage Management System (OMS) is used to track electric outages, and includes
information such as: tree fall-ins, car hit poles, wind, animal, underground cable, overhead equipment,
and etc. Fire is listed as an outage category, but generally relates to structure fires. Also listed is Pole
Fire, which occurs when excessive electricaltracking leads to hot-spots between wood crossarms and
poles. However, the OMS system does not include provisions for tracking outcomes beyond direct
customer impacts (e.g. customer duration without power). Though still in development, Avista plans to
extend mobile data collection devices (e.g. tablet computers) to field first responders. This would
replace paper products, including Avista's damage response form. ln order to determine if Wildfire
Resiliency treatments are effective, it is important that utility involved fires are tracked by first
responders.
rl
lJtility gr ocle toblet ccnrpLtters ore beinq
deployed to c <tndLtc t rlontoge assessmenl
artd to docuntent t'ield reptoirs I ltis
collection process tuill include prctt,isiort to
captLtre fire igniliort evenls
63 lPr6rr'\VIl t)l lRl t(t \ll lt N( Y t't /rlJ
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
D-5 Fire Suppression Water Additive
It is recommended to use chemical additives in
Avista fire suppression water cans to extend the
efficacy of water blankets.
Electric line and vegetation field crews are often
required to adhere to state and federal fire-
related work restrictions. ln many situations, field
crews are required to spray their work area with
water prior to activity. This helps prevent fire
ignitions generated by spark emitting devices such
as power drills and saws. Water evaporates
rapidly during hot days, but there are a number of
chemical additives that delay this process and
extend the effectiveness of water blankets. The
Fire Protection Research Foundation
(www. nf pa.orgfou nation) cond u cted a na lysis i n
2013 to determine the effectiveness of several
chemicaladditives. By using one of the chemical
additives, Avista plans to increase the
effectiveness of water blankets and water based
fire su ppression tools.
D-7 WUI Layer in Avista GIS System
ln September of 20L9, Avista developed a Wildland Urban lnterface map based on the USDA's 2018
Wildland Hazard Potential and Avista's distribution system. This map helps identify and prioritize the
work required to clear vegetation hazards and to 'harden' electric lines. The WUI map was developed by
Avista's GIS Technical Services group and as of this writing, the WUI map is being published to the
Company's GIS applications. GIS Technical Services has the lead on this effort (see addendum D-7
Wildland Urban lnterface for a more complete description).
54!t-age wttt)[tRt RF5tttEt,,l (Y Pt/\N
Dr'-Xrd.dnllffihlPl ll
air&r x
EIGIQF x
thTu x
C.U Eir x x
x
EdiPLtL
xr-fl)x x
x x xfinOax
xfinAb&4.x
fuCrylbl x x
Fn(h!
xrirAA 2fl)0 x
firft.x x
FllEfrE x
xniEdx
EiCd.A x x x
May 28, 2020
Attachment A
T[namsnrfift'xr,rrllD-9 Wildfire Notification System
ln July of 20L9, Avista Distribution
Operations added provisions for wildfire
notification to their ARCOS emergenry call-
out system. This system allows Distribution
Operations to dispatch messaging to first
responders and key stakeholders. The
Wildfire Notification system sends SMS text
messages and emails to a pre-determined list
of recipients. The Wildfire Resiliency Plan
manager is responsible for updating this list
and coordination with the Distribution
Operations Manager.
Fubl.ct ARCOS Wtldir. Nodacr$on
O.t : July lE. 20'19 DavidJam.r fr,/-
Mtlfires are increasing boh in size and tequeocy across lhe Wes|€,n Unitsd States.
As part of a comprBhensi\rc strBtegy to rlducc the ris* of irE associrLd with Avisla's
t-ansmissbn and dEtibl,tion syslems, @ shatr be
irstitjted !o ihfom key staleholders, including exeqrtive managernenl, in lhe event o, a
wildland fre event.
Distibution Op.raions us€slh€ ARCOS rvstsrn to dbp.idr llcld pGrsonncl in the avefli
of cr,stollH outag€B or offier mE]gdrcy incidents.
Dlr6lrde!.9nJrleEnodfic.dil ln lrra d.rn (dlrD.!ch.r on !h.ll lnldrt lh. ARCOS YYlldfirr
This notificalbn will help inform key indivituals ard avoid mEcommunicalim between
offce rnd opcfatirg pcrlmnel as w€l as lhird parry fxrividuals See addendum for
details.
Risk Evaluation
The following table summarizes the risks and estimated 10-year costs associated with the electric
distribution elements of wildfire operations and emergency response.
2020-2029 Risk & Costs (Electric Distribution Operations)
lnherent Risk
(S Millions)
Yq
ss1.s
533e.s
Managed
Risk
(S Millions)
54,9
s4.8s
s129.s
Mitigation
l%l
9t%
9L%
62%
Capital
lnvestment
(s)
s20o,ooo
s2oo,ooo
Operating
Expense (S)
S2oo,ooo
s400,000
s100,000
Sso,ooo
s3o,o0o
s5,o0o
$785,000
Risk
Fuse Coordination
Recloser Event Reporting
Fire lgnition Tracking
System
Fire Suppression "Wettingl'
Agent
WUI tayer in GIS
ARCOS Wildfire Notification l
Totals
65!Pase
$317.s Sge.s 88%
Not evaluated
Not evaluated
Sigr $177.8 77%
May 28,2020
WITDFIRE RISItIENCY PtAN
Attachment A
Conclusion
Summory of Risks, Benefits, ond Costs
The risk and cost expenditures shown in the following table represent a lO-year planning horizon from
2020 to 2029. Note that the Plan includes both operating expense elements as well as capital
improvements to infrastructure. Capital elements are planned to sunset after 2029 but the majority of
the expense items are on-going and generally related to vegetation management.
While project/program cost estimates are normal and routine, assigning financial risk to these fire
resiliency measures is new. Avista is committed to reducing the risk of wildfire by incorporating cost
justified and prudent measures. Fire resiliency is an important element among many in determining
capital and operating expenditures, and funds are not unlimited. lt is not feasible to eliminate the fire
risk to the electrical system.
The column labeled 'inherent risk' is based on the current state risk for each operating category and
indicates the range of risk from optimistic (low) to pessimistic (high). The values are specific to each
category with the high end of the range normalized to 100 basis points. The next column labeled as
'managed risK indicates the risk reduction by adding wildfire resiliency defenses (future state). Note
that defenses with a high confidence of success were selected and the cumulative impact of choosing
'the best of the best' is to drive the risk exposure downward. The column labeled 'risk mitigation'
compares the midpoint of the inherent risk range to that of the managed risk range.
Wildfire Risk Benefit and Cost Summa
Grid Hardening &
Dry Land Mode
41-100 0.7-2.7 98%s245,600,000
88%s5,1oo,ooo S51,175,000
000S5,014,
Enhanced
Vegetation
Management
Situational
Awareness
Operations &
Emergency
Response
65 lt'ag,e
48.3-100 3.2-4.5
25.9-100 0.8-1.1
19.7-100 5.3-23.4
98o/o
76%
S17,96s,ooo S1,o19,ooo
s3oo,ooo s2,378,000
WILDIIRI RtsIIII NCY PIAN
2020-2029
Operating Horizon
lnherent Risk
(range %)
Risk
Mitigation
Capital
lnvestment (S)
Operating
Expense (S)
Managed Risk
(range
May28,2O2O
Attachment A
Addendum
This version is printed without addendum materials. A full report version will be available later and will
include the following supporting materials:
1. Wildland Urban lnterface Map (WUl), November 2019
2. Wildfire Risk Summary, Proposed Actions, September 2019
3. Wildfire Resiliency Cost Plan, January 2020
4. Wildfire Resiliency Plan, Project Charter, March 2019
5. Standard Operating Procedures, internal memos, various dates
5. Transmission Vegetation Management Plan (NERC, WMP)
7. Transmission Maintenance lnspection Plan (NERC, TMIP)
8. Distribution Vegetation Management Plan
STlPage
May 28,2020
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN