Prediction of Power Outage Locations Due to Weather and Tree Impacts on BC Transmission Corporation Transmission Lines

Trees uprooted or broken during severe wind events routinely cause power outages in BC. Some researchers believe that climate change will result in more storms in BC. We will investigate the weather conditions that lead to strong winds. Using BC Transmission Corporation’s power outage database, we will examine patterns of outages in space and time, identify the weather, terrain and vegetation conditions associated with these outages, and produce models that will predict the likelihood of an outage at a given location. We will suggest improvements to transmission line right-of-way design and management.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Stephen Mitchell

Student:

Wolf Read

Partner:

BC Transmission Corporation

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Energy

University:

University of British Columbia