San Diego Gas & Electric wins Edison Award
The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) announced this week that San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) was named the winner of the 2018 Edison Award, the electric power industry’s most prestigious honor.
SDG&E was presented with the 90th Edison Award for its work to enhance grid resiliency in the face of wildfires.
About 10 years, SDG&E launched an effort to combat climate change and enhance power grid resiliency. Rising temperatures, droughts, and severe weather patterns presented new challenges, namely wildfires. SDG&E made significant investments to strengthen the power grid and create operating protocols that have helped enhance the region’s ability to respond to wildfires.
“As part of our commitment to regional safety, we developed one of the most comprehensive and robust fire risk mitigation programs in the industry designed to help protect infrastructure and the communities we serve,” Scott Drury, president of SDG&E, said. “We made one bold decision after another, and collaborated with public and private sectors, academia and government agencies to address climate change in new, innovative ways.”
SDG&E also won the Edison Award in 1941. EEI is an association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Members operate in 50 states and the District of Columbia and provide electricity to about 220 million Americans.
“SDG&E is a committed and innovative partner in our widespread efforts to address the threat of wildfires,” San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts said. “I want to congratulate the company and its dedicated workforce for being recognized with this incredible honor from the Edison Electric Institute.”
SDG&E’s wildfire risk mitigation efforts have not only helped saved lives, they have also protected homes and property throughout the region.
“The steps taken by SDGE to improve fire safety in San Diego County have undoubtedly had a positive impact on the region,” Fire Chief Tony Mecham, San Diego County Fire Authority, said. “Their efforts over the last decade show a true commitment to the customers that they serve and solidifies their position as a leader in the electric industry.”
