Utility companies can be either private companies such as Pacific Power or can be a consumer owned utility. Both of these types of utilities are covered in SB 762 to require that a plan be submitted and approved by the Public Utility Commission in order to assure that the physical utilities increase their resistence to fire. This can include newer equipment and increased maintenance to trim vegetation close to
“The public utility must design the plan in a manner that seeks to protect public safety, reduce risk to utility customers and promote electrical system resilience to wildfire damage.”
power lines to reduce fires caused by power systems. While current rules place the costs of maintenance and equipment replacement on rate payers, the increased requirements from SB 762 to reduce wildfire danger will increase costs to utility companies and will therefore increase power bills.
“All reasonable operating costs … to develop, implement or operate a wildfire protection plan under this section are recoverable in the rates of the public utility from all customers”
A protocol is to be developed to de-energize portions of the power system when fire danger exists from weather conditions such as high heat and high winds. Some unintended consequences from this will be loss of food when refrigerators and freezers stop. But the bigger issue is what will happen to medical devices that run on regular power systems. There will likely be an increase in portable generators that can be misused in enclosed spaces creating carbon monoxide poisoning or not properly connected and cause fires themselves. A final concern is that a connection of the generator can be hazardous is not done to prevent feed back into the power grid.
“identify a protocol for the deenergizing of power lines and adjusting of power system operations to mitigate wildfires”
Pacific Power is conducting public meetings to inform people of their Wildfire plans and efforts. You can review previous meetings or submit questions to Pacific Power at:
https://www.pacificpower.net/outages-safety/wildfire-safety/public-input-forums.html