In a recent interview with The Times, Pedro Pizarro, Chief Executive of Edison International, revealed a startling theory regarding the cause of the destructive Eaton fire that ravaged Southern California on Jan. 7. Pizarro suggested that an idle, unconnected transmission line owned by Southern California Edison may have unexpectedly reenergized, sparking the catastrophic blaze. This theory, according to Pizarro, is currently one of the leading hypotheses under investigation by the company.
Pizarro emphasized that Edison is taking proactive steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. These measures include conducting additional field inspections, reviewing past inspections, and making changes to the internal maintenance manual to ensure that idle equipment is properly grounded. The goal is to prevent any potential reenergizing events that could lead to devastating fires like the one in Eaton Canyon.
The possibility of reenergizing an idle line through a phenomenon called induction has been raised as a potential cause of the fire. Induction occurs when the magnetic field of an active line nearby induces an electric current in an unconnected line. While rare, induction is being explored by Edison as a key factor in the Eaton fire, especially since the idle line in question was not connected to any equipment, resembling an unplugged extension cord on a floor.
According to Pizarro, videos and data from the lines suggest that the idle equipment was reenergized through induction, leading to the inferno that destroyed homes and wildlife in the area. The company reported to the state regulatory commission that several lines over Eaton Canyon experienced a surge of electrical current at the time the fire ignited, within the design limits of its circuits.
To address the potential risks associated with idle equipment, Edison has revised its internal manual on grounding procedures. The updated manual provides detailed specifications for grounding idle equipment, including the type of grounding wire to be used and the number of bolts required based on the structure type. Additionally, the new policies differentiate between wood, lightweight steel poles, and lattice towers, outlining specific grounding requirements for each.
Rajdeep Roy, vice president of transmission operations and substations for Edison, highlighted the importance of these manual changes in light of the Jan. 7 fires. Previously, grounding procedures were determined on a case-by-case basis, but the revised manual now provides uniform guidelines for grounding idle Edison equipment. The company is also exploring whether additional grounding of idle lines or changes to grounding equipment will be necessary moving forward.
In response to concerns raised by the community and ongoing litigation, Edison is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its transmission lines. Field inspections of idle equipment are being conducted, along with desktop inspections to review past equipment visits for any potential oversights. Pizarro emphasized the importance of reevaluating existing procedures and remaining open to outside theories to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation into the Eaton fire continues, Edison is dedicated to implementing proactive measures to safeguard against reenergizing incidents and mitigate the risk of similar fires in the future. By revising its grounding procedures and enhancing inspection protocols, the company aims to uphold the highest standards of safety and reliability in its transmission operations.
