Public Workshop Explores PG and E's 2026 to 2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plans

The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety in California held a public workshop on May 22, 2025, to discuss the wildfire mitigation plans (WMPs) for major electrical corporations, including Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Bear Valley Electric Service, San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison Company (SCE). This workshop is part of a critical evaluation process for the new three-year WMP cycle covering 2026 to 2028.

During the workshop, stakeholders were informed about the requirements for electrical corporations to submit WMPs that outline strategies for minimizing the risk of utility-caused wildfires. The current cycle, which ends in 2025, necessitates these companies to present their updated plans, which were submitted in April and May of this year. The workshop aimed to provide a platform for public engagement, allowing attendees to ask questions and offer feedback on the proposed plans.

Key topics discussed included changes in risk models, asset inspection processes, the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, and monitoring equipment failure and ignition rates. Each electrical corporation was allotted time to present their plans, followed by a question-and-answer session to clarify details and gather community input.

The workshop emphasized the importance of public participation in the wildfire mitigation planning process. Stakeholders were encouraged to submit written comments on the plans, with deadlines set for each corporation's WMP. The session concluded with a commitment to transparency and ongoing dialogue, reinforcing the significance of community involvement in shaping effective wildfire safety measures.

As California continues to face the threat of wildfires, the outcomes of this workshop and the subsequent feedback from the public will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and reliability of electrical infrastructure in the state.