Efforts in Oregon
Wildfire prevention is an important issue for Oregon's electricity sector and the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). California wildfires in 2017 and 2018, and the resulting devastation linked to their electric system highlighted the importance of working to prevent and detect threats early to minimize future wildfires and their impact. The recent wildfires in Oregon further demonstrated the need for continued efforts to enhance wildfire mitigation strategies.
As part of this process, the PUC is seeking broad public engagement to identify issues of concern and receive feedback on potential wildfire protection plan rules ahead of initiating a formal rulemaking process. Members of the public interested in following or participating in this docket should subscribe to receive updates and notifications by emailing
puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov. Please specify Docket No. AR 638 in your request.
Learn more about how to get involved.
PUC Wildfire Events & Activities
The PUC works to encourage dialogue between utilities, subject matter experts, as well as local, regional and state leadership to share perspectives and evolving approaches to the rapidly changing wildfire risk and its impact on electric utilities, their customers, and the communities they serve.
PSPS Discussions
The PUC convened stakeholders and utilities to explore feedback and improve public safety power shutoff (PSPS) processes as they mature. View the recordings and links below for additional information.
Session 1 - November 2, 2022 as follow-up to September 2022 PSPS events due to weather
Docket No. AR 638
Kick-off Meeting, June 14, 2021
Workshops:
- Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 2 - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 10, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
- Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 2 - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Work Group
**All workshops will be recorded and posted here for convenience.
Workshop #2 -- Monday, July 12, 2021 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Kick-off Meeting, June 15, 2021
- Monday, August 2, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
- Tuesday, August 31, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
- Wednesday, September 22, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
Community Engagement Work Group
Workshop #2 - Monday, July 12, 2021 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Kick-off Meeting, June 15, 2021
- Monday, August 2, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
- Tuesday, August 31, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
- Wednesday, September 22, 2021 **This workshop has been canceled**
Vegetation & System Hardening Work Group
Kick-off Meeting, June 29, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Oregon Wildfire & Electric Collaborative
In March 2020, Governor Brown signed Executive Order 20-04, which required the PUC to evaluate regulated utilities' wildfire protection plans and convene workshops to mitigate wildfire risks. Learn about the
Oregon Wildfire & Electric Collaborative for information about those workshops.
Regulated Utilities Report Following 2020 Wildfires
In October 2020, the PUC hosted a special public meeting to hear from regulated electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and water utilities on a high level of how they planned for, responded to, and prepared to build back after the Labor Day windstorm and wildfires.
Review the agenda or
view the meeting for presentations by select regulated utilities.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan Reports from Electric Utilities
In 2019 and 2020, the PUC directed PGE and PacifiCorp to report on their wildfire mitigation plans and additional steps taken to address the evolving risks. In 2021, all three investor-owned electric utilities presented their plans, as well as AT&T and Lumen.
West Coast Utility Commissions - Wildfire Dialogue
The PUC hosted utility regulatory commissioners from British Columbia, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington in August 2019 to share lessons learned, emerging best practices, and actions taken throughout the region.