Overview

Objective

This project investigates strategic environmental topics related to transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. It is focused on the current state of the industry and key trends, including technology advancements, policy and regulatory developments, and future challenges.

This project is meant to foster information exchanges and collaborative efforts between program P51 members and other stakeholders and to address research opportunities focused on immediate needs within the industry.

The objectives of this project are to:

  • Develop new knowledge regarding emerging strategic issues around environmental interactions with T&D assets
  • Create awareness of upcoming technological developments and regulatory changes
  • Provide a venue for utilities to discuss relevant environmental topics and research needs
  • Build knowledge repositories in the various facets of T&D environmental issues
  • Encourage the exploration of data analytics opportunities and new technologies
  • Develop educational content to improve communications with stakeholders and the public

Approach

This project investigates the current state and trends in T&D environmental topics through a combination of exploratory research, utility subject matter expert knowledge, and industry data.

It is structured to address forward looking research, research of opportunity, and stakeholder communications.

The project will provide easy-to-understand and quick-to-read deliverables in addition to tech transfer webcasts.

Research value

  • Provides information on the current state of the industry regarding the approaches that electric utilities are using to address environmental issues
  • Scouts the research landscape to find new methods and technologies to reduce environmental risk
  • Carries out proof-of-concept research to validate new environmental T&D solutions
  • Develops analytical methods to maximize benefits and reduce costs
  • Documents knowledge sharing among utility members and technical stakeholders
  • Provides greater awareness and understanding of technology and environmental regulatory developments

Research Plans

Current long-term projects

P51E does not have long-term projects.

2026 Project Tasks

Vegetation Management Maturity Models

This project intends to developed a maturity model framework that utilities can use to benchmark their vegetation management program. The framework will address the different processes in a vegetation management program and define levels of maturity from basic to advanced with an additional level for forward looking growth. The maturity models can also serve as a roadmap to help vegetation managers define and communicate changes and improvements to their programs. This year the model will be updates to include QA/QC and outage follow up processes.

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Maturity Models

This project will develop a structured Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) maturity model to help electric utilities evaluate and improve their SPCC compliance programs by clearly defining practices, workflows, data collection methods, and capability progression across maturity levels. The effort will capture real‑world utility perspectives on SPCC operations, identify inconsistencies and challenges in current inspection and monitoring approaches, and refine the maturity model based on industry input.

Common questions