Lawmakers hit reset, and pass bill relating to utility liability after wildfire

As wildfires intensify, utilities want liability protections. But then who pays? • Oklahoma Voice

Power lines extend through heavy wildfire smoke in Estacada, Ore., in 2020. Utilities in Oregon and elsewhere are pushing lawmakers to pass liability protections, giving them legal immunity in exchange for following safety plans. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)As climate change drastically increases the frequency and severity of wildfires, power companies say they’re facing growing risk for payouts that could bankrupt them or require massi…

Utilities seek legal shield from wildfire lawsuits as climate risks grow

As utilities face growing wildfire liability tied to aging power lines and worsening climate conditions, lawmakers across the U.S. West are weighing whether to protect them from massive lawsuits or leave them on the hook.Alex Brown reports for Stateline.In short:Electric utilities in at least eight U.S. states are lobbying for legal protections that would limit their financial liability for wildfires started by their equipment if they follow mit…

Deal over liability protections involving utilities over wildfires reached in Legislature

PHOENIX — A deal has been reached over a measure that initially gave sweeping and arguably unconstitutional liability protections to the state’s electric utilities if their equipment sparked a wildfire.

'A step in the right direction': Xcel Energy's $2B proposal aims to protect Coloradans from wildfire threat

LOUISVILLE, Colo. Xcel Energy is proposing a statewide plan that aims to protect Colorado customers from "the increasing threat of wildfire" by building upon programs already working to minimize risks from electric equipment. The 2025-2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan has been submitted to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which still must approve it. According to those with the PUC, parts of the plan could be changed, modified, or ame…

Wildfire liability bill amended to be less protective of Arizona utility companies

Key Points: A bill to reduce liability for utility companies that start wildfires has been amended The amendments remove many of the sweeping protections for utilities The new bill is tolerable for utilities and received far more approval from opponents A deal has been reached on a measure that proposed sweeping and arguably unconstitutional liability protections for the state’s electric utilities for wildfires caused by their equipment.  The…

As wildfires intensify, utilities want liability protections. But then who pays? • Idaho Capital Sun

Power lines extend through heavy wildfire smoke on Sept. 10, 2020, in Estacada, Oregon. Power lines extend through heavy wildfire smoke in Estacada, Ore., in 2020. Utilities in Oregon and elsewhere are pushing lawmakers to pass liability protections, giving them legal immunity in exchange for following safety plans. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)As climate change drastically increases the frequency and severity of wildfires, power compani…