20260630News Release.pdf

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Idaho Public Utilities Commission Brad Little, G-err,or
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, D 83720.0074 Edward Lncige,Indent
John R Hammorid, Jr,Comnufioner
Isu Dayn Hardie,Commissioner
Case No. C07-E-25-01
Order No. 37081
Contact:Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail Address: [e-mail]
NEWS RELEASE: Commission Conditionally Approves Northern Idaho Electric Utility's
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
BOISE (June 30, 2026)—The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has conditionally approved a
Wildfire Mitigation Plan(WMP) submitted by Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. that provides
information on efforts the utility is taking to reduce wildfire risks.
Electric utilities submit the WMPs to the Commission pursuant to the Wildfire Standard of Care
Act(WSCA). The WSCA requires the Commission to annually approve the plans for investor-
owned utilities. Under the WSCA, if a wildfire results in a lawsuit against an electric utility, there
is the presumption the utility acted without negligence if it reasonably implemented a
Commission-approved WMP. Municipal and cooperative electric utilities,which are not
regulated by the Commission, may voluntarily submit plans for the Commission's review.
Kootenai Electric Cooperative,which serves approximately 30,000 customers in Kootenai,
Benewah and Bonner counties, said its WMP covers vegetation management efforts,
geographical risk assessments, situational awareness efforts and preventive actions and
programs, among other measures.
The Commission issued an order on June 29, 2026, conditionally approving the utility's WMP.
While it determined the plan met the statutory requirements of the WSCA, the Commission
directed Kootenai Electric to submit a compliance filing to ensure the plan comprehensively
describes the utility's operational and mitigation measures. It also directed the utility to submit
additional information if it seeks approval of a future plan. For any future plan, the Commission
requested information on the utility's wildfire mitigation benefits, a more detailed explanation
of how heightened wildfire risk zones are determined, an explanation on how certain mitigation
activities such as grid hardening efforts are reducing wildfire risk and for the utility to
incorporate certain recommendations from the Idaho Department of Lands.
Additional information on the WMP is available at: https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7682.