Storm Hardening the Electric System Against Tree-caused Service Interruptions

Nov. 18, 2010

Is it possible to harden the electric system against storm triggered tree-related outages? If so, what actions will harden the electric system against tree-caused outages? These questions are answered and regression equations are developed to provide the means of measuring the reliability impact of hardening initiatives.Read more...

Sig Guggenmoos

In the aftermath of a windstorm that interrupted service on over 40% of Puget Sound Energy’s transmission system, the regulator ordered an investigation, which was to evaluate options for hardening the electric system.

This study quantified the extent of tree exposure along the transmission system and examined the correlation between various field measurable variables and tree-caused outage frequency. Based on the significant correlations, it is concluded that only mitigation, which reduces the extent of tree exposure holds the potential to significantly decrease tree-caused service interruptions during major storms...

About the Author

Sig Guggenmoos | P. Ag. CPC President, Ecological Solutions Inc., Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture B.Sc.(Agr.)

Accreditations: Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.); Certified Professional Consultant (CPC)

Organizations: Alberta Institute of Agrologists, International Society of Arboriculture, Utility Arborist Association, Industrial Vegetation Management Association of Alberta.

Mr. Guggenmoos was a chief architect of the TransAlta Utilities Distribution Line Clearance program, which reduced tree related outages 80%; saved 48 million dollars over two maintenance cycles; had a 98% customer satisfaction rating; and, showed a 21% increase in contractor crew productivity. He was responsible for the herbicide program, associated research and communication. In addition, he brought a financial focus to the program, developing processes for financial comparisons of alternatives to repetitive tree pruning and was intimately involved in the design and assessment of contracting methods.

As president of Ecological Solutions Inc. (Ecosync) Mr. Guggenmoos provides consulting services in vegetation management and biotic greenhouse gas mitigation strategies including biomass-derived energy.

Publications and Presentations:
Author of numerous abstracts and publications; numerous presentations to public, industry and professional associations including international conferences. List of publications available upon request.