H.B. No. 145 amends the Utilities Code to enhance risk mitigation planning and liability management for electric service providers, particularly in relation to wildfire risks. The bill allows electric utilities to self-insure against potential liabilities and catastrophic property losses, including those from wildfires, that could not have been reasonably anticipated. It establishes criteria for the approval of self-insurance plans by the commission, emphasizing the need for such plans to be in the public interest and to provide cost-effective alternatives to commercial insurance. Additionally, the bill mandates that utilities in wildfire risk areas file comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans, detailing their strategies for vegetation management, facility inspections, and community outreach.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions that allow utilities with approved wildfire mitigation plans to use these plans as evidence in legal actions for damages resulting from wildfires they may have caused. It specifies that utilities are not liable for damages if they can demonstrate compliance with their mitigation plans and that the wildfire was not caused intentionally or through gross negligence. The bill also includes an administrative penalty for utilities that fail to implement an approved wildfire mitigation plan. Overall, H.B. No. 145 aims to improve safety and accountability in the electric service sector while addressing the growing threat of wildfires.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 36.064 (Utilities Code 36)
House Committee Report: Utilities Code 36.064 (Utilities Code 36)
Engrossed: Utilities Code 36.064 (Utilities Code 36)
Senate Committee Report: Utilities Code 36.064 (Utilities Code 36)
Enrolled: Utilities Code 36.064 (Utilities Code 36)