Energy Video Week 3 August 2023: After Maui Fire, Nearly Every Utility Should Considering Public Safety Power Shut-Off Plans

After Maui’s deadly wildfire utility Hawaiian Electric Co (HECO) is being sued for not having de-energized its power lines in response to a combination of drought and high winds. Every investor-owned utility will need to re-evaluating its exposure and put pre-emptive de-energizing plans into place. 

California’s State Water Resources Control Board approves a Newsom Administration plan to extend the life of three natural gas plants totaling several thousand megawatts through 2026 to maintain grid reliability.  

China’s battery behemoth CATL unveils new LFP battery that can offer 250 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging, achieving 80% state of charge in 10 minutes at room temps, or in 30 minutes at temps as low as 14 degrees F. 

Electric truck maker Nikola recalls all 209 battery-electricsemitrucks produced to date following investigation into a recent fire in one of its trucks. A coolant leak in a battery pack was blamed.

Canary Media reports over 100 new clean energy facilities or expansions – totaling about $80 billion – have been announced since the IRA was signed into law one year ago. 

The Bureau of Ocean Management identifies two areas – totaling almost 220,00 acres and potentially yielding 2,600 MW of capacity – for potential offshore leases off Oregon. 

Vestas 15 MW turbine establishes a 24-hour industry record, pumping out 363MWh of electricity in a day, enough to supply average U.S. household (29 kWh/day) for 34.3 years.