Managing the risks to electric utilities from extreme weather is becoming increasingly challenging. The electric system, which was designed in the context of historic weather patterns, may no longer be able to withstand the new extremes in weather. The major shift in weather patterns is forcing many electric operators to rethink their approach to designing and operating their systems. Long-term weather forecast information is needed to help electric utilities conduct climate resilience planning, identify vulnerabilities within their systems, and develop management options to mitigate risk.
The webinar will discuss advances in ensemble forecast methods, large data mining, machine learning and artificial intelligence that can improve weather prediction for utilities. A better understanding of the dynamics of storms, weather and climate variability is the essential underpinning for intelligent and effective applications of these technologies. The presentation will include examples of advanced forecast systems for hurricanes, severe convective weather, heat and cold events, and their applications in the electric utilities sector. The speakers will also discuss Southern California Edison’s approach to “All Hazards” planning and response, manmade and natural disasters, event management structure, external engagement and preparedness of response teams. In addition, they will discuss how weather prediction technology can inform decision making as it relates to wildfire-related preparedness, mitigation and response.
The presenters are Dr. Judith Curry, President and co-founder of Climate Forecast Application Network (CFAN) and Don Daigler, the Director of Business Resiliency for Southern California Edison. Dr. Curry is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Geophysical Union. She recently served on the NASA Advisory Council Earth Science Subcommittee, the DOE Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Council, the National Academies Climate Research Committee and the Space Studies Board. Mr. Daigler leads the company’s emergency management, business continuity, hazard assessment and mitigation, meteorology and other corporate resiliency initiatives. He has more than 35 years of experience in emergency management, national/homeland security and business resiliency and he has had various leadership roles with the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
