Navigating the Flames: Best Practices in Wildfire-Resistant Transmission and Distribution Systems

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDT

Our webinars are eligible for IEEE PDH credit. To qualify, you must attend the webinar live and complete the IEEE evaluation we will provide following the event.

Intense and often fatal, wildfires are an increasing threat when supporting conditions are present. They pose significant safety risks to communities and expose electric transmission and distribution infrastructure to extreme conditions. If unprotected, these structures can suffer damaging effects, including collapse.

Historically, infrastructure management has been challenging. Steel structures are mistakenly perceived as immune to the effects of fire and surviving wood poles may continue burning internally and collapse well after the wildfire has passed through the area. Transmission and distribution infrastructure owners are responsible for the integrity of their systems and can benefit from improving their resistance to extreme conditions.

This webinar will focus on cost-effective and efficient strategies while bolstering structure resilience and enhancing public safety and trust.

About the Presenter:

Lieb Sauermann - Associate Product Manager

Lieb Sauermann is an Associate Product Manager for Underground Distribution at Osmose. He also works to support engineering and operations in product research, testing, and development in the steel transmission space. He previously provided engineering and sustainability consulting for commercial, hospitality and institutional facilities. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Chad Newton - Sr Director - Wood Infrastructure Portfolio

He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, both from Georgia Institute of Technology. In his current role, he oversees the design, development, and implementation of Osmose’s industry-leading wood pole restoration products and services.