This week, RCRC submitted two comment letters on the Wildfire Mitigation Plans proceeding at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which was established as a result of Senate Bill 901 to confront complex issues surrounding the role of utilities to prevent wildfires caused by their infrastructure. The RCRC Board of Directors voted to become a party to this proceeding at its March 2019 meeting, as well as the De-Energization proceeding that contemplates how Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) conduct planned power outages during extreme weather events that could lead to fire.
On April 29th, Administrative Law Judges Sarah R. Thomas and Peter V. Allen recommended approval of PG&E and other IOU Wildfire Mitigation Plans for 2019 so preparations such as inspections, system hardening, vegetation management and emergency preparedness can get underway in advance of fire season. Further, the Judges issued Proposed Guidance on Wildfire Mitigation Plans for the future with recommendations such as adopting consistent and meaningful metrics, providing off ramps for potentially ineffective mitigation measures, and discussing potential impacts to ratepayers for the costs of implementing these Plans.
Wildfire Mitigation Plans for the various IOU’s and the Proposed Guidance Decision must be formally adopted by a vote of the CPUC. The next voting meeting is on May 30th. On May 21st, the California State Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee will hold an Oversight Hearing, “Investor Owned Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans, Will the Plans Reduce the Risk and Occurrence of Catastrophic Wildfires?” RCRC’s comment on PG&E’s plan can be accessed here, and comments on the Proposed Guidance decision can be accessed here.