How Winter Weather Conditions Impact Electric Distribution Infrastructure

Winter weather can pose significant challenges to electric distribution infrastructure.

The combination of heavy, wet snow and ice accumulation creates dangerous conditions by adding significant weight to power lines and trees, reducing road traction, and increasing the likelihood of outages.

1. Weight of Snow and Ice on Infrastructure:
   • Wet Snow: Unlike dry, fluffy snow, wet snow has a high water content and is much heavier. When it accumulates beyond 2-3 inches, it adds significant weight to trees, power lines, and poles, increasing the risk of damage and power outages. The added weight can cause branches to snap and power lines to sag or break.
   • Ice Accumulation: Even a small amount of ice (near or over 1/4 inch) can coat power lines and trees, making them brittle and more prone to breaking under stress from wind or additional precipitation.
2. Structural and Mechanical Stress:
   • Ice accumulation can increase the load on power infrastructure, sometimes exceeding design limits. Combined with wind or ongoing precipitation, this can lead to structural failures.
   • Ice can also cause mechanical components in power distribution systems, such as transformers and insulators, to malfunction.
3. Wind Exacerbation:
   • If winds accompany freezing precipitation, the added force on already burdened infrastructure increases the likelihood of damage. Swaying ice-laden lines can lead to further breakages and prolonged outages.
4. Tree Damage:
   • Ice buildup on tree branches makes them heavier and more prone to breaking, which can lead to falling limbs on power lines, causing outages and road blockages. This not only affects power restoration efforts but also limits access to repair sites.