FirstEnergy Deploys Technology to Predict and Reduce Tree-Related Outages

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has introduced an innovative AI-driven program called the Advanced Vegetation Analytics Tool (AVAT) to predict and reduce tree-related power outages across its six-state service area. This technology, among the first in the electric utility industry, analyzes various data sets including soil, weather, roadway, historical outage data, and aerial photos to identify high-risk trees near power lines.

The AVAT complements FirstEnergy's existing vegetation management methods, which include annual assessments and aerial inspections. Tyler Woody, General Manager of Distribution Vegetation Management Operations, highlighted that the tool enhances crew efficiency and budget management by recommending appropriate equipment for trimming operations.

FirstEnergy's service territory covers densely forested areas in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, and part of New York, presenting unique vegetation management challenges. The company maintains a four-year trimming cycle and uses various methods to control vegetation near its power lines and equipment.

Positive

• Introduction of AI-driven AVAT tool to predict and reduce tree-related outages
• Potential for improved operational efficiency and budget management in vegetation control
• Enhanced ability to address problematic trees swiftly, potentially reducing outages

Negative

• None.

Insights

Utility Infrastructure Analyst

FirstEnergy's deployment of the Advanced Vegetation Analytics Tool (AVAT) represents a significant leap in proactive power grid management. This AI-driven system could substantially reduce tree-related outages, which are the leading cause of power disruptions. By integrating diverse data sets, including soil conditions, weather patterns and historical outage data, AVAT enables more precise targeting of high-risk areas. This approach should enhance operational efficiency, potentially lowering maintenance costs and improving service reliability. For investors, this innovation signals FirstEnergy's commitment to technological advancement and operational excellence, which could translate to improved financial performance through reduced outage-related expenses and increased customer satisfaction. However, the true impact on the bottom line will depend on the tool's accuracy and the company's ability to effectively act on its predictions.

Environmental Impact Specialist

The implementation of AVAT by FirstEnergy demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental management in utility operations. By more accurately predicting tree-related risks, the company can minimize unnecessary tree trimming while still maintaining grid reliability. This targeted approach could lead to better preservation of urban and rural forests within FirstEnergy's service areas, potentially enhancing biodiversity and reducing the carbon footprint associated with vegetation management. Moreover, the use of high-tech solutions like infrared and ultraviolet aerial inspections shows a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. From an ESG perspective, this initiative could positively influence FirstEnergy's sustainability ratings, potentially attracting environmentally conscious investors and improving the company's public image.

Company among the first in the industry to develop technology to prevent power outages caused by trees

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is among the first in the electric utility industry to deploy a new program that helps predict and reduce tree-related outages before they occur across the company's six-state service area. The company's vegetation management team engineered the AI-driven program to calculate where trees pose the most risk to the electric system, particularly ahead of winter and summer storm seasons.

Known as the Advanced Vegetation Analytics Tool (AVAT), the prediction model pulls data – including soil, weather, roadway, historical outage data, geographical typography and high-resolution aerial patrol photos – from several internal and external databases. The data sets work together to identify patterns and calculate the likelihood of a tree coming down on a power line or equipment to ensure problematic trees are swiftly addressed.

FirstEnergy explains the new AVAT tool and how it's being used across the company's footprint in a video clip on the company's YouTube channel.

Trees are the leading cause of power outages across the entire electric utility industry. FirstEnergy's service territory in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia and a small portion of New York encompasses some of the most densely forested areas in the country, with terrain varying from urban areas and flat agricultural land to rugged mountainous conditions more than 3,000 feet in elevation. These widely varying conditions can make vegetation management a challenge. 

Tyler Woody, General Manager of Distribution Vegetation Management Operations at FirstEnergy: "Not only is this tool helping us to keep the electricity flowing safely and reliably to our customers, but it is also helping us manage crews and our budget more efficiently. By using this data tool to study the type of vegetation conditions in each area and the proximity to our power lines, we can better recommend the right type of equipment crews and contractors will need to bring with them to trim the first time they go out."

The new AVAT tool complements FirstEnergy's comprehensive annual vegetation management methods, which involve professional tree crews assessing vegetation across the service area to determine the best approach to prevent trees from interfering with electrical facilities. In addition, the company conducts proactive aerial inspections of transmission and distribution lines using helicopters equipped with infrared and ultraviolet technology. This work helps ensure that high-voltage power lines and equipment remain clear of trees and vegetation that cannot be observed from the ground inspections.

Based on inspection findings, the company may use aerial saws, mechanical equipment or a combination of methods to control the vegetation. Crews also trim trees along FirstEnergy's rights-of-way on a four-year cycle.

Follow FirstEnergy and its electric companies on X and Facebook all year long for tips and resources to stay safe when using electricity in and around your home.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on X: @FirstEnergyCorp.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is FirstEnergy's new technology to reduce tree-related power outages?

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) has deployed the Advanced Vegetation Analytics Tool (AVAT), an AI-driven program that predicts and helps reduce tree-related power outages by analyzing various data sets to identify high-risk trees near power lines.

How does FirstEnergy's AVAT tool work to prevent power outages?

The AVAT tool analyzes data from multiple sources, including soil, weather, roadway, historical outage data, geographical typography, and aerial photos, to calculate the likelihood of trees falling on power lines or equipment, allowing for swift intervention.

What are the benefits of FirstEnergy's new vegetation management technology?

FirstEnergy's AVAT technology helps maintain reliable electricity supply, improves crew and budget efficiency, and enhances the company's ability to recommend appropriate equipment for trimming operations based on specific vegetation conditions in each area.

In which states does FirstEnergy (FE) use the new AVAT technology?

FirstEnergy (FE) uses the AVAT technology across its six-state service area, which includes Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, and a small portion of New York.