This bill aims to enhance the safety and reliability of electric power transmission and distribution in Washington State by addressing wildfire risks through the establishment of mandatory wildfire mitigation plans for electrical companies. Each electrical company is required to file a wildfire mitigation plan with the commission shortly after the bill's effective date, unless they have already submitted one. The plans must be updated at least every three years and shared with relevant state departments and advisory committees. The commission is tasked with reviewing these plans, holding public workshops and meetings, and must approve or conditionally approve the plans based on their adherence to reasonable practices and applicable standards.
Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations regarding the fees that public service companies must pay to the commission, adjusting the fee structure for large combination utilities. It also introduces a new fee specifically for the purposes of implementing the wildfire mitigation plans. Furthermore, the bill repeals a previous section related to wildfire mitigation plan reviews and includes a provision ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will still be enforceable.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 80.24.010, 80.28.440
Substitute Bill: 80.24.010, 80.28.440