Missoula, Mont. — On Tuesday, the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) held a critical meeting to explore ways to prevent wildfires by improving the state’s electrical grid. The meeting, aimed at addressing fire risks, brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss potential solutions for reducing the threat posed by utility infrastructure.
Public Service Commissioner Randy Pinocci, who initiated the hearing, emphasized the urgency of taking action. “The reason why I held this hearing is because I’ve attended meetings from Florida to California on fire risk, but nobody has any answers. They just talk about it. I’m saying we do have answers,” Pinocci said. “We can take action. We can introduce legislation and make a difference right now. We should’ve done it years ago. We’re really behind on this.”
The primary focus of the meeting was on the use of advanced technologies to enhance the safety and efficiency of Montana’s electrical grid. Representatives from businesses such as Epsilon Cable, Amp Jack, and CTC Global outlined innovations that could reduce the risk of wildfires caused by overhead power lines. One of the key innovations discussed was the use of carbon cables, which offer several advantages over traditional steel cables. These cables are lighter, more durable, and can help improve the efficiency and capacity of the grid. CTC Global also highlighted the ability to monitor the heat of the cables, allowing for early detection of potential fire risks.
The PSC raised several important questions during the discussion, including the potential costs to customers, the impact on insurance, and most crucially, whether these new technologies could effectively prevent wildfires.
Dave Sanders, Chief of Staff for the Montana Commissioner of Securities & Insurance, stressed the importance of modernizing the country’s electrical infrastructure. “What we began to build in the 19th century is not going to be adequate for transporting the electrons that we need to transfer,” Sanders said. “What’s needed now is a similarly bold and forward-looking investment in our national electron transportation structure.”
The meeting was inspired by recent devastating wildfires in places like Los Angeles County and Hawaii, and the PSC hopes to use these lessons to strengthen Montana’s grid and land management. Sanders emphasized the need for a national and state-level commitment to address fire risks and modernize electrical infrastructure. “It is going to take this kind of national commitment and a commitment from state leaders as well,” Sanders said. “And from this Public Service Commission and others that we need to do something bold.”
One of the key concerns raised by Amp Jack was the design of electrical towers, specifically how current powerlines can cause wildfires through contact with vegetation, downed power lines, or animals. The company proposed raising the height of towers to prevent contact with trees, a solution aimed at reducing one of the major causes of wildfires. However, it was noted during the meeting that underground lines, while effective, could cost up to ten times more than the existing overhead utility lines.
Although no formal action was taken during Tuesday’s meeting, the PSC engaged with state politicians about the possibility of introducing legislation to implement new powerline standards in areas identified as high fire risks. The hope is that these discussions will lead to meaningful changes in how Montana’s electrical grid is managed, balancing fire prevention with cost-effective solutions for residents.
The state is moving toward proactive steps to mitigate wildfire risks, but as Pinocci and others noted, the time for action is now. With the increasing frequency of wildfires, it is clear that addressing the root causes—such as outdated power infrastructure—will be essential to reducing the threat to both residents and the environment.
