A solution for California’s wildfire safety deficit

Maps show the distribution of wildfire probability (2026-2050), demographic characteristics and grid characteristics at the census block group level, and the maximum undergrounding cost per household under a scenario where overhead lines with relatively high wildfire probability (more than 0.25%) are to be undergrounded and the cost is shared only locally within each block group. (Image credit: Wang et al. 2023, Nature Energy)
Aug 7 2023
Members Only

A new Stanford study finds low-income communities in California have a disproportionate share of fire-prone overhead lines and proposes a way to equitably allocate the cost of moving more lines underground.