The Pacific Palisades fire, Lithium-ion Batteries and Smart Meters

Smart Meters, Lithium-ion Batteries and the Pacific Palisades Fire Damage-

BACKROUND-

When I read in the news now, I constantly see how one California government agency or insurance company, simply does not have enough money on hand to meet the obligations of fire damage repair for their customers. This is a situation that I find sad, because the organizations that are laying out the funds for the repair work, meaning the home insurance companies, are the very organizations that have turned a blind eye to dealing with the problem that caused the fires in the first place.

What do I mean by that last statement? The big issue that is not being discussed is the fact that insurance policies are being written on new homes which are being constructed with smart meters and lithium-ion batteries being used for back-up.

According to the Edison Institute for Electric Innovation, by the end of 2025, it is estimated that 135 million smart meters will be installed in homes and in operation. The following quote is taken from Energy X magazine concerning the benefits of the Smart Meters:

“Smart meters often need to operate in remote, unattended environments for years, making battery lifespan and maintenance intervals critical considerations. One of the standout features of lithium-thionyl chloride batteries is their exceptionally long lifespan. Typically, Li-SOCl2 batteries can last over 10 years under optimal storage conditions, and they have a very low self-discharge rate. This makes them ideal for smart meters that need to operate continuously and reliably for extended periods. The long lifespan means that after installation, the battery does not need to be replaced for years, significantly reducing maintenance and operational costs. www.energy-X.org/news-why-are-lithium-thionyl-chloride-batteries-ideal-for-smart-meters.”

CAUSE-

The lithium-ion battery has now become a common fixture in our society. The battery can be found in everything from automobiles to smart meters. This increasing use of the lithium-ion battery brings with it a risk. As studies have demonstrated, in the past year more than 1,000 cases of lithium-ion battery fires have been recorded which demonstrates to me that something should be done by the insurance companies that are paying for the fire damage repair, or if they don’t, the insurance companies should be forced to show why they did not pursue the responsible party.

Studies show that lithium-ion battery fires are not only more recurrent but also one with more intense outcomes.. This emphasizes the reasons why safety measures and precautions should be improved, especially on batteries. It is important to note that Lithium battery fires cause severe heat, rapid spread fires, and production of toxic gases.

The Effect-

The Los Angeles Times reported that a big rig overturned, sparking a fierce lithium-ion battery blaze that spewed toxic gases, snarled port traffic and resulted in what one official said was massive economic losses from delayed traffic...www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-28.

Authorities have described that one of the largest lithium-ion battery cleanups ever is going on in the neighborhoods destroyed by the Eaton and Palisades fires, www.,nbclosangeles.com.

“Since at least 2019, fire departments in the two cities say they've responded to at least 669 incidents combined. Last year, there were more than 200 fires blamed on lithium-ion batteries in New York City. Since 2019, the city recorded 326 injuries related to these types of fires, while San Francisco recorded 7 in the same time period.

Lithium-ion battery fires from electric cars, bikes and smart meters

www.cbsnews.com/news/lithium-ion-batteries.”

Thermal Run Away-

A problem that has occurred not only in fighting fires in automobiles, but also in homes and offices that have the Smart meter installed is the thermal runaway. The thermal runaway takes place when a battery cell experiences internal short circuits, overcharging and discharging, external heat sources and age, wear and tear then the chain reaction occurs; the chemicals within the battery respond by generating rising temperatures in a matter of milliseconds, ultimately resulting in a fire. The external heat sources may have been the catalyst for fire losses in the Pacific Palisades.

Respectfully Submitted,

Norman Lambe

nwlambe@gmail.com

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