Learn how utilities are preparing for and responding to extreme weather and wildfires through grid hardening, emergency operations, and community resilience strategies.

Disaster Response is a crucial area for utilities, focusing on the preparedness, response, and recovery from natural or man-made disasters. This topic will explore best practices in emergency planning, real-time communication, wildfire mitigation, and grid restoration strategies. Emphasis will be placed on leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance situational awareness, minimize downtime, and ensure quick and safe power restoration in the aftermath of disasters.

Featured content

Innovations in the Monitoring and Analysis of Distribution Systems to Improve reliability, Safety, and Reduce Risk of Wildfires and Major Storms

February 02, 2026

This panel will present innovative systems, planned or being piloted, that provide advanced monitoring and analysis of electric utility distribution systems.

Emerging Technologies to Identify and Locate Wildfires

February 03, 2026

Explore these new fire mitigation plans with utilities and the Westen Energy Market that are leading the industry in the identification and location of wildfires. Learn about new fire mitigation regulatory requirements and about recent state legislation to better prevent and prepare for wildfires.

Restoring Power, Reinventing Response: AI-Powered Transformation in Outage Management at Exelon, Eversource, and Oncor

February 03, 2026

In this panel industry experts from Oncor, Eversource, and Exelon will explore how cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies are being implemented in real-world outage management and restoration efforts across major US utilities.

Storm and wildfires educational opportunities

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1:00 PM
  1. 28AB
    50 mins
    This panel will present innovative systems, planned or being piloted, that provide advanced monitoring and analysis of electric utility distribution systems. Each panelist will present one aspect of t …
2:00 PM
  1. 10
    50 mins
    Join us for an inside look at how Nashville Electric Service (NES), one of the nation's largest public electric utilities, transformed its storm damage response with cutting-edge GIS technology. Faced …
  2. 6C
    50 mins
    As utilities accelerate their grid modernization journeys, data analytics is emerging as the cornerstone for transforming operations, improving reliability, and managing climate-driven risks. This ses …
1:00 PM
  1. 5AB
    25 mins
    This foundational session sets the stage by exploring the key drivers behind increasing wildfire threats and regional variations in risk. Attendees will gain insight into the sophisticated methodologi …
  2. 5AB
    240 mins
    This workshop is designed to equip utility leaders, engineers, and planners with the practical, multi-faceted look necessary to effectively analyze, mitigate, and manage the growing threat of wildfire …
1:25 PM
  1. 5AB
    25 mins
    Get an inside look at Xcel Energy's multi-year grid modernization journey. Discover how the deployment of a consolidated ADMS/OMS is transforming outage management and wildfire risk reduction through …
1:50 PM
  1. 5AB
    25 mins
    Drawing on the experience of Western utilities like Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), this session provides a replicable roadmap for building wildfire resilience under real-world constraints …
2:15 PM
  1. 5AB
    25 mins
    Wildfire risk and asset health are inextricably linked. This session focuses on strengthening transmission asset management through advanced inspection methods. A FirstEnergy and Cyberhawk case study …
2:40 PM
  1. 5AB
    25 mins
    This presentation will offer a strategic, high-level overview of the primary technologies currently deployed for wildfire mitigation. Attendees will be introduced to major technology categories—such a …
3:00 PM
  1. 6C
    50 mins
    At Distributech 2024, we introduced a novel AI-powered framework within the ADMS ecosystem, enabling DSOs to achieve low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) grid visibility using existing GIS and AMI …
3:15 PM
  1. 5AB
    45 mins
    Presenters from throughout the workshop will reconvene to discuss lessons learned regarding technology deployment, data integration challenges, and the rapid evolution of tools for vegetation manageme …
4:10 PM
  1. 5AB
    45 mins
    This high-level discussion brings together utility leaders, including representatives from Southern California Edison, PG&E, SDG&E, New York Power Authority, and more. The panelists will outline strat …
10:00 AM
  1. 10
    50 mins
    As wildfire risk accelerates across the West, utilities are evolving their fire prevention and response strategies to protect infrastructure and communities. In this panel, leaders from Arizona Public …
1:00 PM
  1. 10
    50 mins
    Transmission infrastructure is critical to grid stability, yet traditional inspection methods often fall short in providing the speed, accuracy, and insights needed to proactively manage asset health. …
2:00 PM
  1. 31AB
    50 mins
    All utilities want a grid that is fully resilient, safe for communities, and operating optimally for all ratepayers. But how do we get there?  This expert panel discussion will address the critical op …
  2. 10
    50 mins
    Risk assessment is a top priority for SDG&E as wildfire threats to California communities continue to intensify. Events like the Palisades and Eaton fires underscore the scale of the challenge. One of …