"Mitigating Wildfire Risk: Addressing Climate Change, Aging Power Lines, and Emergency Alert Systems"

Aging power infrastructure and the impacts of climate change are increasing the risk of utilities starting wildfires, as seen in the case of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas. Many utilities lack the technology to detect overheating power lines, and climate change is exacerbating the risk with drier vegetation and hotter weather. While some utilities are investing in solutions like weather sensors and proactive shutoffs, others are not prioritizing wildfire prevention, which could impact both safety and the affordability of electric bills.