CORE is consistently working to modernize parts of our grid to make the system safer than ever.
Net meters
These meters installed as part of our advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) have surge protection built into their circuitry and materials to protect against fire. Each new meter monitors temperature to help us detect bad electric connections, and technicians check for hot sockets – damaged or defective meter sockets that can cause heat building – and vegetation hazards around meter housings as they install them.
Camera technology
In an effort to improve our situational awareness, CORE has invested in camera technology from two separate companies. The first are FTS cameras by AEM that have functionality to point, tilt, and zoom to an incredible degree, giving CORE and our emergency management partners the ability to remotely view conditions and nearby active fires in real time. The second type of cameras are automated fire-watch cameras by Pano AI. These cameras take a new 360-degree panorama every minute and the images are monitored by AI to detect smoke plumes within minutes of a fire starting. When this happens, alerts are sent to CORE and our partners with a link to the video feed, providing early detection and situational awareness. Furthermore, when two of these cameras can see the same fire, they will triangulate to give emergency responders a precise location of where it is occurring.
Distribution automation system
Provides real-time control and monitoring of switches, reclosers, capacitor banks and other distribution devices, and allows us to automatically reconfigure the system during periods of high fire risk.
Line sensor technology
Provides “line down” detection and quicker identification of faults. We also are evaluating non-expulsion equipment to be used in areas with high fire risk.
Satellite imagery
CORE is engaged in a partnership with Overstory, which uses AI machine learning to analyze satellite imagery and identify dead and encroaching vegetation that pose risks.
Non-expulsion fuses
New technology can replace fuses that expel sparks when activated, reducing a possible source of ignition.
Covered conductor/tree-wire
CORE is exploring opportunities to deploy powerlines protected by a rubber coating so that they will not be disrupted by contact with foreign objects.