Piscataway, N.J., June 26, 2025 – IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) is seeking proposals to fund research and testing aimed at reducing wildfire ignition risk. This high-current testing initiative focuses on developing ignition risk formulas for faults occurring on overhead electric utility lines.
It is generally accepted that wildfire ignition risk from electrical faults is a function of fault current magnitude and clearing time, but no standard industry equations exist for ignition risk versus fault current or clearing time. A more quantitative approach to evaluating wildfire ignition risk would allow utilities and grid operators to better assess the effectiveness of mitigation and the tradeoffs involved.
This proposal calls for an industry consortium to conduct extensive testing at a high-current test facility at medium voltage levels to develop general fire ignition risk formulas for three basic fault types.
The deadline to submit proposals is 16 July 2025.
Any organizations, labs, or institutions interested in learning more about this project or reviewing the official request for proposal (RFP), please contact Abira Altvater, IEEE PES Program Manager, at .
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About IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES)
The IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) is the leading provider of scientific and engineering information on electric power & energy for the betterment of society and a trusted resource dedicated to its members’ technical, informational, networking, and professional development needs. With over 40,000 members around the globe representing every facet of the electric power and energy industry, PES is at the forefront of the rapidly changing technological advancements that impact everyone’s future. Additional information on IEEE PES can be found on our website at: https://ieee-pes.org/.
About IEEE
IEEE is the largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in various areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more here: https://www.ieee.org/