Power grid faults surged right before Los Angeles wildfires began: expert

Whisker Labs, a company that monitors electrical activity, has reported a significant increase in faults along the Los Angeles power grid in the areas where three major wildfires are currently raging. The company’s CEO, Bob Marshall, explained that the company’s network of sensors detected a surge in faults in the hours leading up to the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst Fires.

According to Marshall, faults can be caused by various factors such as tree limbs touching wires, wires blowing in the wind and making contact, faulty electric equipment, sudden surges in demand, or even earthquake tremors. The company’s data revealed that there were 63 faults in the Palisades area prior to the ignition of the fire, 317 faults in the Eaton Fire area, and 230 faults in the Hurst Fire area.

While the company cannot definitively say that one of these faults caused the fires, the data provides valuable insights into the conditions leading up to the wildfires. Sparks from faults can fall to the ground and ignite vegetation, which can then be carried by high winds, spreading the flames rapidly.

Marshall emphasized that Whisker Labs’ technology, which includes a network of sensors in homes, can prevent 80% of potential house fires by notifying homeowners of power surges and faults. The sensors can detect faults in real-time and alert homeowners via an app, allowing them to take preventative measures or seek assistance from an electrician.

Despite discussions with utility companies about sharing data, Whisker Labs’ data is currently not being utilized for wildfire prevention. The company’s focus remains on preventing house fires and ensuring the safety of homeowners through its innovative technology.

In light of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power did not proactively turn off power to mitigate the risk of starting fires, as other California power companies have done in the past. The decision not to implement preventative power outages was based on concerns about the impact on emergency services and the community.

As investigations continue to determine the cause of the wildfires, Whisker Labs’ data could prove to be a valuable tool in understanding the role of electrical faults in such disasters. The company’s technology offers a proactive approach to preventing house fires and ensuring the safety of communities.