New technology implemented on power poles by APS aims to minimize wildfire risks

Arizona Public Service (APS) has implemented new fire prevention technology this year, including weather stations and cameras mounted on power poles to track weather conditions that could fuel a fire. With 1.4 million households and businesses to serve, safety is a top priority for APS, which covers 38,000 miles of power lines across the state.

The goal of the new technology is to provide real-time information on fire conditions before or after a fire sparks, helping APS make decisions such as whether to implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to prevent wildfires started by powerlines during extreme conditions.

While no PSPS has been called so far this year, APS is using precautionary measures and advanced technology to keep communities safe, particularly in rural parts of the High Country. This includes using data from weather stations and cameras to make targeted decisions about where to implement a PSPS, minimizing the impact on customers.

Wade Ward, APS Manager of Fire Mitigation, emphasized the importance of reducing the risk of wildfires and increasing customer reliability in areas frequently impacted by wildfires. APS recommends updating contact information on their website to receive timely updates on power outages or PSPS in your area.

The new fire prevention technology introduced by APS showcases their dedication to safety and proactive measures to protect communities from wildfires, demonstrating their commitment to customer safety and reliability.

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