MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to watch workshop on utility wildfire preparedness

Docket number: U-210254 

 

LACEY, Wash. – All interested persons are invited to watch a workshop on utility wildfire preparedness. Electric utilities will present their plans for the upcoming wildfire season, including plans for fire mitigation strategies and communications plans with state, federal, and local emergency response agencies, and customers.  

WHAT: 

Virtual-only Workshop  

WHO: 

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission 

WHEN and WHERE 

Wednesday, May 26 

1 p.m.  

Watch the livestream at www.utc.wa.gov/Watch 

Listen via Microsoft Teams 

Listen via phone: (253) 372-2181 and use conference ID 225 874 142# 

BACKGROUND 

This workshop will include discussions, updates, and presentations from electric utilities Avista, PacifiCorp, and Puget Sound Energy covering their plans and expectations for the 2021 wildfire season. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will also discuss expected conditions for the 2021 wildfire season, updates regarding the continuation of the state’s Electric Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force, and other relevant 2021 legislation.  

The U.S. Forest Service and Northwest Interagency Coordination Center will discuss changes to federal land management requirements and expectations for the wildfire season. 

Bonneville Power Administration will also attend to discuss its public safety power shutoff policy, and the Washington Emergency Management Division will discuss wildfire coordination and response. 

The UTC regulates the rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, landline telephone companies, and private water systems among other industries. It is the commission’s responsibility to ensure regulated companies provide safe and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while allowing them the opportunity to earn a fair profit.  

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Topic(s)
Energy
General