Senate committee advances wildfire-mitigation bill that narrows utility liability, adds planning requirements

Senator Case, chairman of the Senate Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee, led floor debate Wednesday on House Bill 192, a measure that would require electric utilities to file wildfire mitigation plans with the Wyoming Public Service Commission and that would change the civil-liability framework for wildfires linked to utility infrastructure.

The bill requires each electric utility to prepare a wildfire mitigation plan describing its service area, inspection and vegetation-management procedures, upgrades and preventive programs, de-energization procedures and anticipated public-safety impacts, and to seek input from state forestry and local fire entities. It also directs the commission to review and potentially approve plans and allows utilities to seek cost recovery separately if rates are regulated by the commission.

“This bill deals with the liability that arises out of wildfires with respect to utilities,” Senator Case said on the Senate floor as he explained the bill’s origins in interim committee work and a minerals committee task force. “This section requires public utilities to file a mitigation plan with the public service commission and to follow that plan and mitigate the risk of wildfires.”

Why it matters: Sponsors said the measure aims to reduce the costs of wildfire litigation that can threaten utilities’ financial stability and drive higher rates for customers, while requiring utilities to document mitigation steps and report annually on compliance. Opponents warned the bill shifts risk from utilities to private property owners and their insurers unless carefully balanced.

Key provisions…