Every year, power outages caused by overgrown vegetation cost the U.S. billions in repairs and lost revenue. With wildfires and extreme weather becoming more frequent, utilities that rely on outdated vegetation management strategies face the greatest risks.
When vegetation grows too close to power lines, the consequences can be catastrophic. For instance, as of October 18, 2024, California experienced 6,934 wildfires, burning over 1 million acres. Unattended vegetation contributed significantly to these events, highlighting the urgent need for better vegetation management strategies.
So, how can utilities prevent outages and mitigate wildfire risks?
The answer isn’t just trimming trees on a fixed schedule. It’s about making smarter, data-driven decisions and acting at the right time in the right places.
With advanced utility vegetation management (UVM) software, utilities can move from reacting to problems to proactively preventing them. Instead of following rigid, one-size-fits-all trimming cycles, utilities can use real-time data to prioritize high-risk areas, reduce costs, and keep crews safer while maintaining compliance.
For decades, vegetation management relied on labor-intensive inspections and fixed trimming schedules. While this approach once worked, today’s conditions demand a more precise and proactive strategy.
Here’s why traditional UVM methods fall short:
The stakes are too high for outdated methods. A single oversight can lead to widespread outages, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.
With the use of right UVM software, utilities can replace reactive chaos with proactive precision. This will further improve reliability of power grids, increasing efficiency, and over all safety.
Utility vegetation management (UVM) software digitizes and centralizes all vegetation management data, making it easier for utilities to track risks, assign tasks, and plan maintenance efficiently.
Instead of relying on guesswork, utilities can use data-driven insights to prevent outages and reduce operational costs. By combining real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation, UVM software helps utilities make informed decisions that improve safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Unlike standalone mapping tools or basic scheduling systems, UVM software provides a unified platform that turns your raw data into actionable insights. It’s not just about collecting information. It’s more about using the collected data to optimize operations.
Utilities looking to implement data-driven vegetation management should consider a phased approach. Select the best Utility vegetation management software suitable for your UVM project needs. Integrate with your existing systems and consolidate the data. Use advanced features to analyze and interpret the data and make the most for decision making.
KYRO is transforming how utilities manage vegetation risks by providing an all-in-one platform that integrates cutting-edge data collection, AI-powered analytics, and intuitive decision-making tools.
“KYRO’s digital forms and workflows have transformed how we manage vegetation and asset inspections in the field. We’ve streamlined multiple steps into one, enabling us to make crucial decisions on-site without returning to the office. Everything is at our fingertips, allowing real-time analysis, immediate supervisor input, enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and measurable cost savings.” said Greg Smith, Senior Manager of Vegetation Management, LS Power Grid.
Utility vegetation management is rapidly evolving, and data-driven solutions are the key to staying ahead. By embracing UVM software, utilities can improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce costs, and meet compliance requirements with confidence.
Don’t wait for the next outage. See how KYRO helps utilities predict, prevent, and protect.
Schedule a demo today!