LS Power Prepares Wildfire Mitigation Plans at California Transmission Meeting

The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety in California held a meeting on July 29, 2025, to discuss the 2026-2028 Base Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) for several utility companies, including PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, TBC, HWT, and LS Power. The session focused on the inspection policies and vegetation management practices of these companies, particularly in relation to wildfire prevention.

During the meeting, participants sought clarification on the inspection processes outlined in the policies. It was confirmed that the companies adhere to General Order 95 (GO 95) regarding clearance distances for vegetation management. Specifically, PacifiCorp stated that while they generally follow the required clearance distances, they maintain a four-foot clearance throughout their service territory in California, exceeding the minimum requirements in some cases.

Brian King from PacifiCorp explained that their asset inspections also help identify vegetation conditions that may require operational changes in vegetation management. This proactive approach aims to address potential risks more effectively.

The meeting concluded with a brief Q&A session, where attendees were encouraged to ask questions about the discussed topics. As the session wrapped up, LS Power was set to present their WMP, indicating a continued focus on wildfire mitigation strategies among the participating utilities.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the importance of rigorous inspection and vegetation management practices in reducing wildfire risks, with companies demonstrating a commitment to exceeding regulatory requirements for safety. The next steps will involve further presentations from LS Power and continued discussions on effective wildfire mitigation strategies.