Capital Electric implements wildfire mitigation efforts in Bismarck area

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota State Legislature's House Energy and Natural Resources Committee, representatives from Capital Electric Cooperative outlined their comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategies and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The cooperative, which serves approximately 22,000 members across several counties, is taking proactive measures to minimize wildfire risks associated with their electrical distribution systems.

General Manager of Capital Electric, who presented at the meeting, detailed the cooperative's extensive network of 2,800 miles of distribution lines, with a significant portion being underground to reduce fire hazards. Currently, 54% of their lines are overhead, while 46% are underground. The cooperative has committed to rebuilding about 25 miles of overhead lines annually, upgrading to modern construction standards that enhance safety and reliability.

A key focus of the discussion was the cooperative's wildfire mitigation plan, which includes regular visual inspections of distribution assets and a robust vegetation management program. This program aims to prevent tree contacts with power lines, a common cause of wildfires. The cooperative employs both in-house crews and third-party contractors to ensure thorough inspections and maintenance.

Additionally, Capital Electric utilizes advanced technology for monitoring and managing their infrastructure. This includes electronic controls in substations and remote capabilities for fault isolation. The cooperative has also phased out oil-filled reclosers, opting for more reliable and safer alternatives.

The meeting highlighted the importance of emergency response coordination, particularly during high-risk fire conditions. Capital Electric has established communication protocols with local authorities and utilizes GPS technology to track crew locations during outages.

Overall, the discussions underscored Capital Electric's commitment to enhancing safety and reliability in their electrical distribution services while addressing the growing concerns of wildfire risks in North Dakota. As the cooperative continues to implement these strategies, they aim to protect both their infrastructure and the communities they serve from potential fire hazards.