Hawaiian Electric began deploying a network of high-resolution video cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide improved situational awareness and early detection of fires in high fire risk areas near the company’s infrastructure. The public will also have access to live feeds from any of the cameras.
Hawaiian Electric recently installed the first camera station in Lahaina and has plans to deploy a total of 78 stations in high-risk fire areas on the five islands served by the company, with each site having two cameras to provide a full 360 view degree. Camera feeds will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We are continuing to take action to address the increased wildfire risks throughout our service territory using a variety of technologies and methods,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. “The installation of public-view AI-assisted video cameras in high fire risk areas will enable the company, fire agencies and emergency operations centers the ability to identify potential fires early and respond quickly.â€
The $14 million project is the latest step in Hawaiian Electric’s ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of fires associated with the company’s equipment, according to company executives.
Hawaiian Electric signed a five-year contract with California-based ALERTWest. ALERTWest will install and maintain the camera stations, as well as provide round-the-clock monitoring of potential outbreaks by experienced fire safety professionals. Approximately 50% of project costs will be covered by federal funds allocated under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) estimated at $90 million in grant funding covering various costs related to Hawai’i Electric’s resiliency and work for extinguishing fires. Hawaiian Electric will also be able to achieve cost savings by leveraging its existing telecom network to provide communications support for the project.
ALERTWest’s software platform, which is widely used in fire-prone areas of the western United States, is aided by AI to detect smoke and other early indications of fire in real time. ALERTWest has extensive experience working with utility companies, including partnerships with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), as well as the California Department of Forestry and Conservation from Fire ( CAL FIRE). The AI solution was recognized as one of TIME magazine’s best inventions of 2023.
The software platform’s pan, tilt, zoom cameras continuously scan their surroundings, performing a 360-degree sweep every two minutes. Using AI, the system detects changes from previous images and highlights them with a red rectangular box on the screen. This, along with 24/7 human verification, helps eliminate false alarms caused by fog or dust. If a suspected ignition is detected, ALERTWest Operations Center staff review camera images to ensure there is sufficient visual evidence before notifying Hawaii Electric and emergency response agencies.
The public will be able to access live feeds from any of the cameras on the ALERTWest website at www.alertwest.org. Half of the video camera stations are expected to be operational by September 2024, while the rest will be installed in the first half of 2025.
#Hawaiian #Electric #Deploys #Video #Cameras #Early #Fire #Detection #stop #Lahaina #Maui #Maui
Image Source : mauinow.com