On August 13, 2019, RCRC filed comments with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for Phase 2 of the Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) proceeding. RCRC was granted party status on March 21, 2019. Phase 2 focused on responses to electrical corporation reports on data sets and the development of proper metrics to evaluate WMP activities, as well as PG&E’s second amended WMP, public outreach in additional languages, tasks for an Independent Evaluator, and general process improvements to the CPUC when it undertakes the 2020 WMPs.
RCRC noted the importance of having the right data within the context of wildfire mitigation efforts, and the need for apples to apples comparisons year over year even when data and metrics evolve over time, as expected. RCRC also expressed misgivings with PG&E’s high costs, delays, and use of eminent domain in their second amended plan. Further, RCRC recommended an expanded role for experts like the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to provide input in these WMPs.
The CPUC will be holding a prehearing conference meeting on August 28, 2019, and workshops on September 17-19, 2019. Details on these upcoming meetings can be accessed here. RCRC’s comment letter can be accessed here.