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PSC defers Avista wildfire plan to Aug. 18, asks for Montana‑specific facility and cost data
Summary
Avista’s wildfire mitigation plan was deferred to Aug. 18, 2026; commissioners said the plan is mature and includes incremental costs generally, but they requested Montana‑specific mileages, pole types and an addendum or NCA identifying missing Montana data.
Staff told the commission that Avista’s wildfire mitigation plan is more mature than other first‑round filings: Avista has been implementing wildfire mitigation steps for several years and the plan includes incremental‑cost information for its broader service territory. Staff noted Avista serves roughly 32 Montana customers and that Montana‑specific line and pole data were not included in the plan appendices.
Vice President Felder moved to defer the Avista work session to Aug. 18, 2026, and to revise the NCA to identify deficiencies—specifically the omission of Montana‑specific estimated incremental costs and facility data. Commissioners discussed whether Avista should append Montana data (miles of line, pole counts and types and whether poles are wrapped or otherwise hardened). The motion passed 3–1, with one dissenting commissioner. Staff and commissioners said they would work to craft an NCA or addendum request that allows Avista to supply Montana‑specific numbers without unduly disrupting ongoing mitigation work.
