Mitigation of Damages to Electric Utilities Due to High Winds

Abstract

Extreme winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes produce significant damage to electrical transmission and distribution line structures. The damage produces loss of power to the affected communities for a variable length of time, depending on severity of damage. Most institutions whose operations would be life threatening in the event of power failure have emergency power. However, loss of power to both residences and businesses can have economic impact on the community in the form of temporary housing shortages and loss of business. Utility companies seem to cope with wind damage fairly well, following risk management procedures in designing for wind and in providing alternate routing for distribution lines. However, continuing research and developments are needed to keep abreast of the problem.