The size of California’s wildfires doubled year/year in 2020, so state officials are throwing technology enhancements at the seasonal challenge through the utilities, grid operators and energy planners.

wildfire

“One of the biggest lessons we have learned is how unpredictable fire dangers and climate both are, and we’re still grappling somewhat with how to prepare for the unknowable,” said regulator Clifford Rechtschaffen of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). He spoke Wednesday during a webinar sponsored by the California Energy Commission (CEC).

To prevent rolling blackouts and ensure the reliability of the grid, Rechtschaffen said the state has invested $200 million in clean energy microgrids and $600 million in self-generation back-up power systems for...