Wildfire Mitigation

Efforts in Oregon

Wildfire prevention is an important issue for Oregon's electricity sector and the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). California wildfires in 2017 and 2018, and the resulting devastation linked to their electric system highlighted the importance of working to prevent and detect threats early to minimize future wildfires and their impact. The recent wildfires in Oregon further demonstrated the need for continued efforts to enhance wildfire mitigation strategies.

As part of this process, the PUC is seeking broad public engagement to identify issues of concern and receive feedback on potential wildfire protection plan rules ahead of initiating a formal rulemaking process. Members of the public interested in following or participating in this docket should subscribe to receive updates and notifications by emailing puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov. Please specify Docket No. AR 638 in your request.

Learn more about how to get involved.

PUC Wildfire Events & Activities

The PUC works to encourage dialogue between utilities, subject matter experts, as well as local, regional and state leadership to share perspectives and evolving approaches to the rapidly changing wildfire risk and its impact on electric utilities, their customers, and the communities they serve. Work groups were established to address risk analysis, public safety power shutoffs, vegetation and system hardening, and community engagement. Learn more about the work groups.

Docket No. AR 638

On August 25, 2020, the PUC initiated an informal rulemaking process (Docket No. AR 638) to address electric utility risk-based wildfire protection plans. The rulemaking process will work to incorporate the recommendations of the Governor's Council on Wildfire Response and the guidance issued in the Governor's Executive Order 20-04. Link to the timeline for the AR 638 rulemaking for more information. Temporary rules were passed for the 2021 wildfire season -- view the order for details or view the PUC Staff presentation for a summary of the rule and highlights of the PSPS notification process. View the wildfire mitigation plans submitted to the PUC by regulated and unregulated electric utilities in Oregon.

Workshop held April 14, 2021 -- View the meeting recording
Rulemaking Phase II Workshop held August 23, 2021 -- View the meeting recording

Oregon Wildfire & Electric Collaborative

In March 2020, Governor Brown signed Executive Order 20-04, which required the PUC to evaluate regulated utilities' wildfire protection plans and convene workshops to mitigate wildfire risks. Learn about the Oregon Wildfire & Electric Collaborative for information about those workshops.

Regulated Utilities Report Following 2020 Wildfires

In October 2020, the PUC hosted a special public meeting to hear from regulated electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and water utilities on a high level of how they planned for, responded to, and prepared to build back after the Labor Day windstorm and wildfires. Review the agenda or view the meeting for presentations by select regulated utilities.

Wildfire Mitigation Plan Reports from Electric Utilities

In 2019 and 2020, the PUC directed PGE and PacifiCorp to report on their wildfire mitigation plans and additional steps taken to address the evolving risks. In 2021, Idaho Power also presented their plan, as well as AT&T and Lumen. Below are the annual presentations by PGE, PacifiCorp and Idaho Power on their updated wildfire mitigation plans.

View the meeting held June 13, 2023 (Agenda)
View the meeting held April 21, 2022 (Agenda)
View the meeting held June 3, 2021 (Agenda)
View the meeting held May 21, 2020 (Agenda)
View the meeting held June 18, 2019

West Coast Utility Commissions - Wildfire Dialogue

The PUC hosted utility regulatory commissioners from British Columbia, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington in August 2019 to share lessons learned, emerging best practices, and actions taken throughout the region.

View the following panel discussions: Tracking the Changing Risk, Making Risk-Based Changes to the System, Managing the Financial Risks, and Expanding Public Safety Coordination.