The Fire Risk Mitigation (FiRM) project is part of San Diego Gas & Electric’s broader system hardening program, developed to reduce wildfire risk in high-vulnerability areas of Southern California. The initiative focused on upgrading 12 kV distribution circuits to improve both public safety and long-term system resiliency.
As part of this effort, our team developed PLS-CADD™ models for multiple circuit segments to evaluate existing conditions and guide the replacement of wood poles with steel poles. The project also incorporated the installation of covered conductor, an advanced technology that reduces the potential for faults and ignition events in wildfire-prone regions.
Comprehensive structural and clearance analyses were performed to confirm that all modifications complied with applicable design standards and safety requirements, including the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). These evaluations provided confidence that the upgraded infrastructure would meet both regulatory obligations and client expectations.
By integrating modern materials, advanced modeling tools and robust design practices, the FiRM project represents a proactive investment in wildfire risk reduction, ensuring safer, more reliable power delivery in vulnerable communities.