| Resource Type | Website |
| Author / Source | NRECA |
| Publication Date | Ongoing |
| Location | Western and Midwestern United States (framework applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Program, Partnership, Technology |
| Project Complexity | Advanced |
| Recommended For | Board, Staff |
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
WARN brings a group of rural co-ops together to reduce the risk of utility-ignited wildfires and harden their grids against wildfires of any cause. Members are using a mix of proven methods and advanced technologies for grid hardening, operations, and condition-based maintenance.
The project is also developing an assessment tool. It estimates the value of resilience upgrades by modeling avoided losses to property, natural resources, grid assets, and community resources, which can help co-ops justify those investments. NRECA plans to share the tool across the cooperative network and train co-op staff to use it.
Key Takeaways
| › | WARN combines well-known hardening methods with advanced technologies for grid operations and condition-based maintenance. |
| › | The WARN tool models wildfire ignition and spread using grid, terrain, and historical weather data. It then estimates the losses an upgrade could help avoid. |
| › | Putting a value on avoided losses gives boards a clearer basis for weighing costly hardening projects. |
| › | Several featured members are moving overhead lines underground to reduce wildfire risk and improve reliability. |
Implementation Considerations
- Cost or Funding Requirements: WARN members received federal funding for their projects. Co-ops outside the consortium would need to pay for similar work, such as undergrounding, through their own capital budgets or other funding sources.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: The tool relies on detailed grid, terrain, and weather data. Co-ops should plan for staff training once NRECA makes it available.
Notable Examples
- Holy Cross Energy: Consortium member whose CEO serves on the WARN project team.
- Capital Electric Cooperative: Converting a three-phase overhead line to underground cable between Wilton and Regan, North Dakota.
- Beartooth Electric Cooperative: One of the first members to begin construction on its wildfire mitigation project (announcement).
- Poudre Valley REA: Undergrounding vulnerable lines in Pinewood Springs, Colorado, featured in a DOE video.
- Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative: Moving lines underground with its member co-ops in South Dakota, featured in a DOE video.
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
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