Join us for a discussion about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) which have become more commonplace as wildfire threats spread across more of the interconnection. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of entities with PSPS included in their fire mitigation plans nearly doubled. The conversation will explore the evolution, impact, and distinctions of PSPS from other power management strategies, along with advancements in technology and their effects on system operations and community preparedness. Panelists include: 

• Marco Aceituno, Senior Manager of PSPS Operations, Southern California Edison
• Carrie Laird, Managing Director Emergency Management and Meteorology—PacifiCorp
• Thad Petzold, Associated Director, Wildfire Risk and Vegetation Management— Public Service Company of New Mexico

Our panelists will explore the current cybersecurity threat landscape and share strategies for risk mitigation, including the impact of AI and the use of cloud services.  

The discussion will provide a broad overview of the summer of 2025, focusing on the weather outlook, including topics such as aridification, extreme weather events, and wildfires. We will also cover key issues related to IBRs, battery storage, and resource adequacy for the summer. 

Panelists include:

• James Hanson, Manager of Operations Analysis, WECC

• Vic Howell, Director of Reliability Assessments and Modeling, WECC

• Sunny Wescott, Chief Meteorologist, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – CISA