Infrared surveys reduce electrical system risks under Brett E. Dahl's property program

Recognizing the role faulty electrical systems can play in triggering fires and service interruption-related losses to state facilities, Montana's Risk Management and Tort Defense Division began performing infra-red thermographic and ultrasonic underwriting surveys in December 2010.

The surveys, conducted by contractor Global Risk Consultants, can detect hot spots in electrical systems that could spark fires or trigger power interruptions, according to Aric Curtiss, risk and loss control specialist in charge of the program.

“Any claim that is electrical in nature probably could have been detected using infrared photography,” he said.

Since the program's inception, 214 state properties, or 40% of the state's facilities that have access to electricity, have been surveyed, Mr. Curtiss said. In one case, the photographic survey was able to prevent a potential shutdown of a power generation system at the state-owned Broadwater Power Project, he said.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation receives approximately $5 million annually selling the power generated by the hydroelectric project to the electric grid, Mr. Curtiss said, so the state was spared the risk of losing revenue.