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JFAC adds two staff and $187,000 to Public Utilities Commission for wildfire standards work
Summary
Committee approved two full‑time positions and $187,000 (mostly ongoing) from the PUC dedicated fund to support rulemaking and oversight for utility wildfire mitigation plans under SB1183 (Wildfire Standard of Care Act).
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved two full‑time equivalent positions and $187,000 in dedicated‑fund appropriations for the Public Utilities Commission to implement elements of Senate Bill 1183, which establishes a wildfire standard of care and requires utilities to prepare wildfire mitigation plans.
Analyst Kellen McGurkin told the committee the PUC will need to create at least 12 mitigation plans in coordination with utilities and will set standards of care covering operations, maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Committee staff noted the Public Utilities Commission dedicated fund is financed by fees collected from regulated utilities; the appropriation of $187,000 (approximately $182,400 ongoing and $4,600 one‑time) will cover salaries, benefits and associated personnel costs for the two positions.
Senator Woodward moved the appropriation; Representative Handy seconded. Senator Woodward emphasized that ratepayers — the utilities’ customers — will fund the positions because the dedicated fund consists of utility fees. The motion passed by roll call; combined committees recorded 15 ayes, 4 nays, 1 absent excused. The authorization will carry a due‑pass recommendation.
