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20260709Compliance Filing.pdf
AN Kootenai Electric RECEIVED � COOPERATIVE July 09, 2026 IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION July 9, 2026 Via Email Only Secretary Monica Barrios-Sanchez Commission Secretary Idaho Public Utilities Commission 11331 W. Chinden Blvd. Building 8, Suite 201-A Boise, ID 83714 Email: secretary@puc.idaho.gov Re: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc.'s Order No. 37081 Compliance Filing Case No. C07-E-25-01 Dear Secretary Barrios-Sanchez: On June 29, 2026, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission("Commission") issued Order No. 37081 ("June 29 Order") conditionally approving Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc.'s ("KEC") 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan ("Plan"). KEC is required to file a compliance filing within fourteen(14) days of the June 29 Order. Pursuant to the June 29 Order, KEC submits the attached First Amended 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan("Amended Plan"). A redline version of the Amended Plan showing the changes to KEC's Plan is attached for information only. The Amended Plan incorporates the 2026 WMP Update Materials that the Commission requires KEC to provide in its compliance filing. Specifically,the Commission requests that KEC incorporate in its wildfire mitigation plan information consistent with a number of KEC's responses to Staff s discovery requests, including responses to: • Staff First Production Request at No. 1, including Item 1-Exhibit A(June 29 Order at 12, items 1, iii,vii); • Staffs Second Production Request at Nos. 15 and 16(id. at item ii); • Staffs First Production Request at No. 11 (id. at item iv); • Staff First Production Request at No.4(id. at item viii); and • Staff First Production Request at No. 14(id. at Item ix). KEC is also required to provide (a)the Heightened Wildfire Risk Map overlayed with KEC's service territory boundaries, and (b) a narrative explanation on how KEC divides its territory and how it prioritizes wildfire- related projects in each section, consistent with the explanation KEC provided in a meeting with Staff. Id. (items v and vi). 9014 W. Lancaster Rd. I Rathdrum, ID 83858 TEL 208-765-1200 1 TOLL FREE 800-240-0459 1 FAX 208-772-5858 911309 EMAIL kec@kec.cOm I WEB kec.cOm Secretary Monica Barrios-Sanchez Commission Secretary Idaho Public Utilities Commission KEC's Order No.37081 Compliance Filing July 9,2026 Page 2 of 2 To ensure that the information that KEC provides is consistent with the information provided in response to Staff s discovery requests, KEC incorporates those responses in full in its Amended Plan as follows: • KEC's response to Staff s First Production Request at No. 1, including Item 1-Exhibit A, is attached to, and incorporated into,KEC's 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan as Exhibit 1 to Appendix B of KEC's Amended Plan; • KEC's response to Staff s Second Production Request Nos. 15 and 16 are attached to,and incorporated into,KEC's 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan as Exhibit 3 to Appendix B of KEC's Amended Plan; • KEC's response to Staff s First Production Request No. 11 is attached to, and incorporated into,KEC's 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan as Exhibit 2 to Appendix B of KEC's Amended Plan; • KEC's response to Staff s First Production Request No.4 is attached to, and incorporated into,KEC's Vegetation Management Plan as Exhibit I to Appendix A of KEC's Amended Plan; and • KEC's response to Staff s First Production Request No. 14 is attached to, and incorporated into,KEC's Amended Plan as Appendix G(Amended Plan at 15 n.10). KEC has also incorporated into Section 2.1 of its Amended Plan a Heightened Wildfire Risk Map overlayed with KEC's service territory boundaries (Amended Plan at 6 and Appendix F). Finally, KEC has added a narrative explanation in Section 2.1 of its Amended Plan describing how KEC divides its territory and how it prioritizes wildfire-related projects, consistent with the explanation KEC provided in a meeting with Staff (Amended Plan at 6). KEC submits the attached Amended Plan as the compliance filing required by the June 29 Order and respectfully requests that the Commission issue an order approving its Amended Plan. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information regarding anything contained in this compliance filing. Sincerely, ls/Michael G. Andrea Michael G. Andrea General Counsel Attachments ® Kootenai Electric COOPERATIVE 02 - First Amended 2026-2028 WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN July 9, 2026 9014 W.Lancaster Road I Rathdrum,ID 83858 © Q TEL 208-765-1200 1 TOLL FREE 800-240-0459 1 FAX 208-772-5858 EMAIL kec@kec.com I WEB kec.corn Table of Contents: 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan ......................................................................................2 1.2 Definitions....................................................................................................................................2 2. Geographical Area Served by KEC and Areas that May Be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire......3 2.1 Identification of Geographical Areas that May be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire.........5 3. Preventive Actions and Programs to Reduce Risk of Wildfire...............................................................7 3.1 Grid Modernization......................................................................................................................7 3.2 Methods of Line Design for New, Planned, and Existing Lines to Mitigate Fire Risk...................7 3.3 Vegetation Management.............................................................................................................7 3.4 Development of Standards, Procedures, and Schedules for Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure, and Facilities Within Heightened Fire Risk Areas..............................................................8 4. Fire Season Operational Guide..............................................................................................................8 4.1 Daily Situational Awareness.........................................................................................................8 4.2 Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS) Procedure..........................................................................12 4.3 Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage ..................................................................13 4.3.1 Risk Monitoring and Forecasting...........................................................................................14 4.3.2 Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making........................................................................15 4.3.3 Notification & Coordination (Pre-Activation Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) ................................15 4.3.4 Final Decision and Activation (24-0 Hours Out)....................................................................16 4.3.5 Monitoring During a PSPS......................................................................................................17 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS...........................................................................................17 4.3.7 Post-Event Review..................................................................................................................17 5. Outreach and Communication............................................................................................................17 5.1 KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication ..........................................17 5.2 Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal, and Local Agencies....................................................18 5.3 Member Communications.........................................................................................................18 Table of Figures: Figure 1: Service Area Across Counties ........................................................................................................4 Figure 2: Service Area Within the State of Idaho..........................................................................................5 Figure3 Heightened Risk Areas.....................................................................................................................6 Figure 4 Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example (for Illustrative Purposes Only).......................................9 Figure 5 Daily Situational Awareness Table.................................................................................................10 Figure6 DSAT Mitigation Levels ..................................................................................................................11 Figure 7 Fire Danger/Operational Index......................................................................................................13 Figure 8 Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational Table.....................................................14 Figure 9 National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, Eastern Washington and North Idaho.......16 Appendices: Appendix A:Vegetation Management Plan ................................................................................................21 Appendix A-1:Vegetation Management Implementation Plan ..................................................................21 Appendix B: 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan.............................................................26 Appendix C: 2026-2028 System Inspection Implementation Plan..............................................................27 AppendixD: Resolution # 10-25..................................................................................................................28 Appendix E: Compliance Matrix .................................................................................................................28 Appendix F: Heightened Wildfire Risk Map Overlayed with Boundaries for Areas Served by KEC Appendix G: KEC's Response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No. 14 KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 1 DECEMBER 31,2025 1. Introduction Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. (KEC), founded in 1938, is the largest of ten not-for-profit, member- owned cooperative utilities in Idaho in terms of load and total customers served. With its main office in Rathdrum, Idaho, KEC provides electric utility service to its members primarily in Kootenai County. It also serves portions of Bonner and Benewah counties in Idaho, and Spokane County in Washington. KEC's service territory is quasi-urban in nature with over half of its power lines being underground. While the largest cooperative in the state in terms of load and customers served, other cooperatives are larger in terms of miles of lines. KEC's mission is to provide its members with exceptional service and dependable power at competitive rates. 1.1 Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan The primary objective of KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan ("Plan") is to provide direction to staff with regard to (i)the design, inspection, operation and maintenance of KEC's electrical system to mitigate wildfire risk; (ii) coordination with federal, state, tribal, and local officials and agencies on wildfire preparedness and emergency response plans; and (iii) outreach and public awareness efforts to be used before, during, and after wildfire season to identify and inform the public of relevant wildfire risks and to notify the public of wildfire-related outages. KEC's Plan utilizes a three-year planning horizon. Specifically, KEC's Plan includes a rolling three-year Vegetation Management Implementation Plan, Construction Work Implementation Plan, and System Inspection Implementation Plan that, respectively, forecast the vegetation management, construction, and system inspection work for the next three calendar years. In March 2025,the State of Idaho enacted the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, Idaho Code§§ 61-1801 to 61-1808 (Act). Among other things, the Act affords electric cooperatives, like KEC, the ability to adopt and file a wildfire mitigation plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") for review and approval. KEC's Plan is designed to comply with the requirements of the Act. Effective Date: Upon acceptance by the KEC board, KEC will take steps to implement this Plan and this Plan shall remain in effect until such time as this Plan is superseded by a Commission-approved wildfire mitigation plan or is superseded or rescinded by board action. 1.2 Definitions Below are definitions of some frequently used terms. Act:The Wildfire Standard of Care Act, Idaho Code §§ 61-1801 to 61-1808, as such Act may be amended or superseded. Commission:The Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Construction Work Implementation Plan (CWIP): KEC's three-year rolling Construction Work Implementation Plan referred to in Section 3.1 and attached as Appendix B to this Plan. Construction Work Plan: KEC's Construction Work Plan referred to in Section 3.1 of this Plan. Energy Release Component(ERQ The Energy Release Component is a number related to the available energy(BTU) per unit area (square foot)within the flaming front at the head of a fire. Daily variations in ERC are due to changes in moisture content of the various fuels present, both live and dead, or Fire Potential Index model to assess local wildfire risks. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 2 DECEMBER 31,2025 Heightened Risk Areas: Heightened Risk Areas are those areas identified in Section 2 of this Plan that KEC considers may be subject to heightened risk of wildfire at the time this Plan is finalized and may change due to changes in circumstances, including changes in weather. Hot Line Tag:A setting in a recloser control that,when enabled, opens the recloser without intentional delay when an overcurrent situation on the power line is detected by the control. Incident Command Team (ICT):The Incident Command Team (ICT) is a key group of KEC staff responsible for responding to the emergency and restoring service to KEC's members. Non-Reclose: A setting in a recloser control that,when enabled, opens the recloser and prevents the recloser from automatically closing, attempting to re-energize or restore power on the power line. OEM: Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management. Particularly Dangerous Situations (PDS) Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service, indicating critically dangerous fire weather including high or gusty winds, high temperatures, and low humidity. Plan: This Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS): A temporary power outage initiated by an electric utility to reduce the risk of wildfires during extreme fire risk. Recloser: A recloser is an automatic, high-voltage electric switch which de-energizes the affected portion of the power system when a fault, such as a tree falling into an electric power line, occurs. Red Flag Warning: A Red Flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service,generally indicating critical fire weather with sustained surface winds exceeding a 10-minute average of 15 mph combined with relative humidity(RH) less than 25%. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): A system combining hardware and software elements to allow electrical utilities to control and monitor power system devices remotely. Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP): KEC's Vegetation Management Implementation Plan referred to in Section 3.3 and attached as Appendix A-1 to this Plan. Vegetation Management Plan (VMP): KEC's Vegetation Management Plan referred to in Section 3.3 and attached as Appendix A to this Plan. 2. Geographical Area Served by KEC and Areas that May Be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire KEC serves approximately 38,000 meters across three counties in North Idaho and Eastern Washington. To provide electric service to its members, KEC owns and operates approximately 940 line-miles of overhead electric line and 1,500 line-miles of underground electric line. Figure 1 illustrates the areas that are served by KEC in these four counties'and Figure 2 illustrates the general area that KEC serves within the State of Idaho. 'Idaho does not have defined geographical service areas. The area shown in Figure 1 generally depicts the area where KEC has infrastructure to serve its members;however, other electric utilities also serve their customers within that same general area. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 3 DECEMBER 31,2025 Kootenai Electric Cooperative Service Terfitga Bonner Countyt. '� d 1" rs r ♦; O Spokane .. . County Kootenai County -- doe l'o — Benewah{ . County E1 tC Sa�rcss Esn USGS td'JAd fiw�cas sn.Gar no • R1ye _ U9G5:NPti Figure 1: Service Area Across Counties KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 4 DECEMBER 31,2025 Kootenai Electric Cooperative Service Territo Bonner ••County Spokane County Kootenai County Bejiewah Couory r. ty;s n<u a Figure 2:Service Area Within the State of Idaho 2.1 Identification of Geographical Areas that May be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire KEC uses a combination of resources and data to determine specific geographical areas that are considered to have a heightened risk of wildfire. First, as shown in Figure 3, KEC utilizes data from Wildfire Risk to Communities? This data rates the areas from very low to very high, based on techniques developed to create various simulations factoring in weather, topography, ignitions and vegetation.This data is then overlayed with proprietary vegetation management software that produces further insight into how those areas overlap within the KEC service area and infrastructure.This allows KEC to better understand how the identified wildfire risk zones align with vegetation encroachments and hazard trees and develop vegetation management goals to prioritize heightened risk zones. Areas with denser z Wildfire Risk to Communities:Spatial datasets of landscape-wide wildfire risk components for the United States. 2nd Edition. Fort Collins,CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive available at: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS- 2020-0016-2. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 5 DECEMBER 31,2025 vegetation are denoted on Figure 3 as"Medium;' "High," and "Very High" Wildfire Risk Zones, which are areas that KEC considers may be subject to a heightened risk of wildfire (Heightened Risk Areas). KEC uses the information depicted in Figure 3 to prioritize vegetation management practices and other work in Heightened Risk Areas. Athol t� a Hayden Post falls ,� � A,-1 " Coeur d'AJe w y� ,. +y A J y ; ° Wildfire risk zones 0 Plummer ,� ' ��,_ ■ ■ Figure 3 Heightened Risk Areas A Heightened Wildfire Risk Map overlayed with the boundaries of the areas that KEC serves is attached hereto as Appendix F. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item v). As indicated in Figure 3 above,virtually all of the areas served by KEC are medium, high, or very high wildfire risk zones and therefore, as noted above, are considered Heightened Risk Areas. KEC prioritizes capital projects, including projects that serve to mitigate the risk of wildfire, based on need considering factors such as reliability, expansion to serve KEC's members, and the need to replace aging infrastructure. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item vi). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 6 DECEMBER 31,2025 3. Preventive Actions and Programs to Reduce Risk of Wildfire 3.1 Grid Modernization KEC has developed its 2025-2029 Construction Work Plan Wildfire risk zones A (Construction Work Plan)to modernize its electric system. The Construction Work Plan includes reasonably practical methods for new, planned, and existing lines to, among other things, mitigate fire risk. The Construction Work Plan, is a five-year plan that includes projects to ensure that power system has the capacity to meet the growing demands of the members served, and to modernize the grid by replacing end of life equipment, enhancing reliability, and mitigating fire risk. Projects included in the Construction Work Plan include: • Replacing end of life oil circuit reclosers(OCR)and other strategically located reclosers with solid dielectric,vacuum interrupted reclosers equipped with solid-state controls and advanced protection schemes; • Installing new solid dielectric,vacuum interrupted reclosers on KEC feeders originating from non- KEC owned substations to provide advanced protection schemes; • Installing, in strategic locations, solid dielectric insulated pad-mounted switchgear equipped with operators and solid-state controls connected to the SCADA system to provide remote indication, monitoring, and control; and • Installing new protective feeder relays equipped with Arc Sense Technology(AST) in KEC owned substations for high-impedance fault detection on distribution feeders. The Construction Work Plan also includes finalizing the integration of a new SCADA system with an existing Geographic Information System (GIS).This integration will set up the framework required to deploy SCADA to feeder-level devices and perform Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) functions. The additional ADMS functions include, among other things,the ability to remotely control feeder level reclosers outside of substations, remotely adjust protection settings, and automatically detect and isolate sections of the power system through Fault Location Isolation and System Restoration (FLISR). To implement its Construction Work Plan, each calendar year, KEC develops a Construction Work Implementation Plan ("CWIP"). The CWIP provides a forecast of the work in the Construction Work Plan that KEC intends to perform in each of the next three calendar years. KEC's CWIP is incorporated into this Plan and is attached hereto as Appendix B. 3.2 Methods of Line Design for New, Planned, and Existing Lines to Mitigate Fire Risk In addition to modernization discussed in Section 3.1 above,the Construction Work Plan includes steps to harden KEC's electrical system with upgrades and design changes.These designs stem from engineering experience and the adoption of emerging technologies. The Construction Work Plan includes: • The use of ductile iron poles for fire-resiliency construction of overhead distribution lines; • The undergrounding of overhead distribution lines to improve reliability and eliminate the impact of wind and tree related outages,which provides effective wildfire mitigation strategies; and • The replacement of traditional expulsion fuses with current limiting fuses,when possible, in strategic high-risk wildfire zones to reduce the energy and potential ignition source for wildfires. 3.3 Vegetation Management KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 7 DECEMBER 31,2025 KEC has adopted a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) to identify and control or eliminate vegetation that threatens the integrity, reliability,or safety of the electrical facilities that are part of KEC's electrical system. The VMP calls for the assessment of KEC's service territory every two (2)years and provides wildfire risk analysis, hazard tree identification,tree segmentation, height and health analysis, 3D vegetation risk scoring, and recommended work. Pursuant to the VMP,vegetation management is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. KEC's VMP is incorporated herein and is attached hereto as Appendix A. To implement its VMP, each year KEC prepares a Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP). The VMIP that is developed each year is a three-year rolling plan. That is, the VMIP that is developed in each calendar year sets out the strategy, resources, and schedule for vegetation management to be performed in the next calendar year as well as a projected schedule for the following two calendar years. Each VMIP establishes the specific sections of KEC's electrical system (identified by specific feeders) that are targeted for vegetation management in each calendar year. The VMIP is developed using information available to KEC at the time the Implementation Plan is prepared. KEC will monitor conditions and needs and may modify the implementation of its VMP in response to changes in circumstances to the extent KEC deems necessary to provide for the safe, efficient, and reliable distribution of electric power to KEC's members. KEC's 2026-2028 VMIP is attached hereto as Appendix A-1. 3.4 Development of Standards, Procedures,and Schedules for Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure,and Facilities Within Heightened Fire Risk Areas In addition to the assessments performed in accordance with KEC's VMP (discussed in Section 3.3 above), KEC also performs inspections of its system in accordance with its System Inspection Implementation Plan,which is attached hereto as Appendix C. All inspection data is electronically recorded and tied to specific map locations. Recording this data provides a centralized and accessible record of asset condition over time.This electronic system supports maintenance and tracking of repairs. KEC follows a time-based inspection cycle for system assets: • Overhead and Underground Line Assets: Inspected on a 12-year cycle. • Switchgear: Inspected on a 1-to 4-year cycle depending on asset type and location. • Substations: Inspected monthly. All defects identified during inspections are documented and routed to Operations for timely repair or replacement. 4. Fire Season Operational Guide 4.1 Daily Situational Awareness During periods when the National Fire Danager Rating is elevated to a level of High or greater(as defined in Figure 7), daily morning briefings will be held (on normally scheduled workdays) by the Operations Superintendents with the line crews and Operations staff to review the daily fire risk in the areas served by KEC as indicated by the Tempest system. An example of the information provided by the Tempest system is seen below in Figure 4. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 8 DECEMBER 31,2025 ��.l.k.e FJww¢leh - n s.aao«d rre.lm traw ,j \ j Vii Nellonal (:� € ••� C' .1� t._, �1 AyTMar�m Kira FV:Ilege FtreeElllOn. I Lyon lake Pa ��. �1 '. Ceb�rcl .� �� l'O R-( ,HWOYa M1n 5«.4 k:sl Imo{,O � Ftoeun :+l ^ h dle tlwd � waupm F«C ` y nrcy s TuscwA Ira �a'¢ 't= cd dA.ere '�iYD .O" 89a6 Nd dual Fomst CNiltic 'Nw (.• Inr'eI F L:1�Deeulpert_.. .Re«6. �AIL+/._�inC" "/^�"r,'_.. - �' _G� F cix0 Be aC :' ♦� IhrreV" H«SMIMa �`"` 4- ,aA' a1� Ed" 0S TO eraudgeerbf4on r Y nF««asoae � •/` r Ow+! '•�F••'$�.;�.3r & •Mmt Jun 23.20 5� �© sv `J ru¢,,4n 24.2o25 ._..._ Wed,Jun 25,2025 25 Iris l . Fu.u27.2025 p rab r.k / t\,n .,� a Set Jun 29.I025 A( ,. DAnd,,114Emde e� A€ Pa Adli—iaa a n Ea�caa /� (5 ma4ns l«Nu era As hd I FMic I. F..amor3 I..�r�� YW'.a1tN. i«tl 0� � ■ rL`"".'o ' e�rbNJelea� 4y 64 aID]lump. Figure 4 Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example (for Illustrative Purposes Only) Based on the Tempest information, Operations Superintendents will review the Daily Situational Awareness Tool (Figure 5) and its associated mitigation strategies(Figure 6), below. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 9 DECEMBER 31,2025 TEMPEST DAILY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS TOOL(DSAT) KEC Operating Mitigation Condition' General Activity Specific Description Normal Elevated Vehicle travel on &off road. With A A A no vehicle/vegetation contact Vehicle Operations Travel off-road or on unmaintained A Special road with vehicle/vegetation A No parking Circumstances/Stage 2 contact. on dry grass Fire Restrictions C Heavy Dozers, graders, skid steers, Water Trailer or Water Equipment Use/ trenchers, etc. All road A B Truck Ground maintenance, water bars, pole hole Special Disturbing Work drilling, etc. Includes all blasting. Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions C Equipment maintenance or Water Trailer or Water Construction and replacement. (Cross arms, pole Truck maintenance of replacement, reconductor, A B Special electric facilities substation,transformers, relays, Circumstances/Stage 2 meter maint/replacement, etc.) Fire Restrictions C Vegetation Vegetation clearing. A B Special Management Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions C Cutting, All types of spark-producing Grinding, A B Special Welding cutting, grinding, or welding work. g Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Internal Use of equipment with combustion B Combustion engines not covered elsewhere. A B Engine Use Includes ATV, chainsaw, generator, Special compressor, etc. Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Figure 5 Daily Situational Awareness Table 'The Operating Mitigation Condition is established by the Tempest DSAT. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 10 DECEMBER 31,2025 MITIGATION LEVELS FOR DSAT Mitigation Level A Mitigation Level B Mitigation Level C Special Circumstances/ Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Apply 1. Documented Safety 1. Work will stop until a 1. Work will stop until a Essential work only. Tailboard prior to new Safety Tailboard is new Safety Tailboard Essential work is work performing any work. completed any time fire is completed anytime that is approved by a ■ At minimum. one fire risk increases. fire risk increases. supervisor as essential suppression hand tool 2. At minimum,two fire 2. At a minimum, one fire work. Except for shall be within 100 suppression hand tools suppression hand-tool essential work that feet of job site or shall be within 25 feet per crew member shall cannot be deferred,all immediately available of job site for a crew be present at job site. other work will be deferred to days with when the work is not with multiple persons. 3. At a minimum,two KEC less critical fire risk. stationary. 3. At a minimum, one KEC approved fire 2. Designated person to approved fire extinguishers shall be 1. Mitigations will be call 911 in the event of extinguisher shall be available at the job site determined b aasis. an ignition. available at the job site and every crew vehicle case-by-case b and every crew vehicle shall have a filled 5- Fire risk mitigation shall have a filled 5- gallon backpack water practices may not be gallon backpack water pump at the job site or possible for some pump within 25 feet of readily accessible on work activities,and job site or immediately work that is not their continuance available when work is stationary, i.e., access should be restricted. not stationary. road maintenance. ■ Documented Fire 4. Designate a working Watch person(s) as Fire Watch. appropriate on Safety Check all work sites for Tailboard. hot spots or 4. Designated person to smoldering embers for call 911 in the event of 45 minutes after work an ignition. activities have ceased. ■ Designated person to call 911 in the event of an ignition. Figure 6 DSAT Mitigation Levels KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 11 DECEMBER 31,2025 Fire Restriction Stages: KEC will comply with all fire restrictions in accordance with applicable law, including Idaho Code §§ 38-115, 38- 121, Idaho Admin. Code 20.04.01.080. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are posted on Idaho Department of Lands' website and are available at: www.idl.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder. 4.2 Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS) Procedure A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a temporary power outage initiated to reduce the risk of wildfires during extreme fire risk.The two charts below(Figures 7 and 8) illustrate the PSPS decision making process and the operational actions to be taken in each situation.4 4 In addition to decisions to initiate a PSPS in accordance with this Plan, KEC will coordinate with applicable public agencies to accommodate,where appropriate, requests from such public agencies to energize or deenergize KEC' s electrical system for public safety. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 12 DECEMBER 31,2025 4.3 Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage FIRE DANGER/OPERATIONAL INDEX National Fire Danger Very High w/Red Ratings High Very High Flag Warning Weather and fuel Weather and fuel Potential for large conditions indicate conditions indicate Red Flag Warning Fires spread rapidly fires exists. Fires Weather and fuel some potential for some potential for and fires spread Fire Danger/ and show erratic spread rapidly. indicators show the fire occurrence. fire occurrence. rapidly and show Operational Index behavior. Extreme fire probability of fire Expect predictable Expect predictable erratic behavior. Definition Dangerous burning behavior is occurrence is low. fire behavior with fire behavior with Dangerous burning moderate rate of moderate rate of conditions exist. conditions exist. probable.Critical conditions exist. spread. spread. Substation Circuit Automatic Reclose Breaker Settings Automatic Reclose Non-Reclose on Red Non-Reclose Non-reclose Hot Line Tag Hot Line Tag Flag Warning days Normal until fault Line Crew Patrol Normal until fault condition identified. All Outaged Lines Between Non-Reclose All Outaged Lines Following Circuit Outage condition identified. On Red Flag Set Devices Warning days all outaged lines. Non-Reclose (to be Non-Reclose Line Reclosers in accomplished as Non-Reclose Non-Reclose (potential for PSPS Predetermined Hazard Automatic Reclose Automatic Reclose soon as reasonably (potential for PSPS at select locations Areas at select locations) during Red Flag practical after the change in NFDRS). Warning). No Increased Number of (with the exception of Red Flag No Yes Yes Yes Yes 'On Call'Personnel Warning days) Pre-positioning of Personnel During High Wind or Fire Weather No No Yes Events Figure 7 Fire Danger/Operational Index s For purposes of this Plan,the National Fire Danger Rating( "NFDR" )shall be the applicable National Fire Danger Rating provided by the Coeur d' Alene Interagency Dispatch Center posted at: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/dc/idcdc/. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 13 DECEMBER 31,202S PSPS Decision Making Process during Fire Season/Operational Table Level NFDR Conditions Description Utility/Public Actions ffimm.. - 0 � No elevated fire risk. Norma operations. No action 0 M. Conditio needed. Conditions are drying, mild 1 Moderate Elevated sustained winds forecasted. Situational awareness. Fire weather being Internal utility monitoring. monitored.' High winds+ low humidity 2 High Watch forecast.' Fire weather is Notify agencies. Early public likely. awareness messaging. Weather event8 likely. PSPS 3 Very High Warning/Advisory under consideration in high- Public alerts. risk areas. Very High PSPS Event PSPS highly likely in next 24— Final prep. Staging crews. 4 w/Red Flag Likely 48 hours if weather persists. Community readiness. Warning PSPS may be activated due Active outage. • Communication + restoration to imminent wildfire risk. planning. Figure 8 Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational Table' 4.3.1 Risk Monitoring and Forecasting During periods where conditions are at Level 0 or Level 1 as set forth in Figure 8,Operations will monitor: • Weather forecasts and information, including: o National Weather Service Regional Weather at: https://www.weather.gov/otx/firedashboard. o Tempest One weather stations with wind alert configuration via email and text. o Tempest One Daily Situational Awareness Tool to determine best operational practices. o Windy.com with Mapping Overlay to determine time and duration of wind events. e Fire weather refers to weather conditions that create a higher risk of fire generally due to higher temperatures, lower relative humidity, and/or high winds. 'High wind means generally sustained winds over 20 mph and/or wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. Low humidity is generally when the relative humidity is below 20%,which creates drier fuels and increased fire potential. 8 Weather events are extreme weather conditions,such as high temperature and low humidity combined with high winds,create or exacerbate the potential for wildfires. 9 This Figure 8 is intended to be used solely as a tool to aid the decision-making process to determine whether and when to activate a PSPS. Decisions whether and when to activate a PSPS will be made by Incident Command pursuant to Section 4.3.4 of this Plan. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 14 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Remote sensing, weather stations, and satellite imagery to identify high-risk areas.lo • Fuel moisture levels, including Dry Vegetation/Fuel Moisture Criticality: Dry grasses, shrubs,and trees, based on local fuel moisture readings.Typically,when the moisture level of 1000-hour fuels are at or below 11%, 100-hour fuels are at or below 8%and live fuels at or below 120%. • Northern Rockies Coordination Center 1000-hour Fuel moisture graphs and the 100-hour Fuel moisture. • The Burning Index at : https://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/predictive/fuels fire-danger/fuels fire- danger.htm. 4.3.2 Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making During periods where conditions are at Level 2 or Level 3 as set forth in Figure 8,the PSPS Planning Committee (Operations, Safety, Legal, Communications) will conduct impact analysis regarding a potential PSPS, including analysis of: • The number of members who may be affected, and • Whether any critical infrastructure (hospitals, emergency services,water systems) may be affected. Grid Operations will also evaluate: • Any Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service A Fire Weather Watch is issued when there is a high potential for the development of a Red Flag Warning due to: o Abundant lightning and dry fuels, o Sustained surface winds exceeding 15 MPH and relative humidity(RH) less than 20% in the valleys, RH less than 25%in the mountains, o low RH of 15%or less, and/or o an unusually unstable atmosphere. • Alternatives to PSPS (e.g.,grid rerouting,temporary barriers) • Potential duration of any PSPS and restoration times • Whether and when to make initial recommendations to proceed to pre-activation phase (See Section 4.3.3). 4.3.3 Notification &Coordination (Pre-Activation Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) During periods where conditions are at Level 3 or above as set forth in Figure 8, in addition to the activities set forth in Section 4.3.2 above, ICT will notify OEM who will notify the following, as applicable: • Local, county, and state emergency agencies • Tribal governments and public safety partners • Hospitals and critical infrastructure The Incident Command Team (ICT) will also begin public outreach, including: • Notifying the media and public via website,text, email, automated calls, and social media and, as applicable: o Explaining potential PSPS zones o Providing resources and preparation tips 10 Details about KEC's weather station network are provided in KEC's response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No. 14,which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Appendix G. Order No. 37081 at 13 (item(ix). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 15 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Contacting Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management (OEM)to coordinate the set-up of public resource centers (if needed) 4.3.4 Final Decision and Activation (24-0 Hours Out) During periods where conditions are at Level 4 and Level 5 as set forth in Figure 8, the Incident Command Team (ICT)will reassess conditions in real-time, including: • Fire Weather Watch conditions, • Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service 24 hours in advance, indicating critical fire weather(high winds+ low humidity). Sustained surface winds exceeding a 10-minute average of 15 mph combined with relative humidity less than 25%, and • Red Flag Warning Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS): Issued by the National Weather Service, indicating critical fire weather(high winds+ low humidity) (See Figure 9): o Conditions last 3+ hours, 1000-hour fuels 10%or less o Energy Release Component(ERC) in the 90th percentile or higher(see 4.3.8 below) o Little to no rain past 30-90 days with less than .10 inches o Wind speeds 30 mph or greater o Wind gusts over 40 mph o Exception will be made when relative humidity is less than 10%. For Eastern WA and North Idaho . Red Flag Weather Matrix Dry Fuels with(Low RH+Winds)for at least 2 hours Relative unaldity wNess Record dirY I ww aeaft'60� teas RH<3Sk RH:80-40% RH:25-30% RH:20-25% RH:15-20% RM 10-15% RR 10%or less 10-75 mph commer C-Sk .,. Minimum PDS Prerequisites G>20 mph RPW RFW #: Cionclitions last 3+hours Ccnsider 15-20 mph btoumain Caranler R CL G>25 mph aFw RFN 00 HR 10%or less 1 0 H -— ERCs 90th percentile or higher v C 20J0 mph Consder Crmsida G>30 mph A bun�t+ain qFW riFn NfW NFw - L�to no rain pest 30-90 days(<.10') >30 mph Consider ;tiW H-W RFW Wind speed 30 mph Or greater c>40.,ph RFw Wind gusts>40 mph (exception when RH less than 10%) >30 mph laptl G>50 mph Fes++my RH<30% Low-Nv*al:00•eWer Low- Marg,-- '- (2 hum1dityilue1I00ja"` C._ IHeadliM HeaJlme 0 RL .Saml Figure 9 National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, Eastern Washington and North Idaho • Confirm weather severity and fire risk • Make final decision to activate PSPS and de-energize circuits. The General Manager, or designee, will make the final decision to initiate a PSPS based on the recommendation of the ICT. If a PSPS is initiated,the ICT: • Will direct the opening of devices to de-energize affected lines, and KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 16 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Confirm with field teams that de-energization has occurred safely. 4.3.5 Monitoring During a PSPS During any PSPS,the ICT will take, or will direct,the following steps until restoration is complete: • Patrol and monitor de-energized lines for safety hazards, • Coordinate with emergency services for any incidents, • Take reasonable steps to identify and provide on-site support for critical members, and • Provide public regular updates, including estimated restoration times(if available). 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS After the ICT determines that a PSPS is no longer necessary, Operations will begin the re-energization protocol. Under the re-energization protocol, Operations will: • Conduct line inspections, • Clear vegetation and hazards, • Verify system integrity and readiness, and • Restore power. Communications will take steps to notify customers of restoration progress. 4.3.7 Post-Event Review As promptly as reasonably practical after a PSPS has occurred and restoration is complete,the PSPS Review Management Team (which will include representatives from all teams involved in the PSPS event) will conduct an internal after-action review. The internal after-action review will include a review of the following: • Response timeline, • Communication effectiveness, • System and personnel performance, and • Public and agency feedback. Upon completion of the internal after-action review,the PSPS Review Management Team will create an after-action report and, if necessary, will update the PSPS process/procedures in this Plan based on lessons learned. 5. Outreach and Communication 5.1 KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication KEC will adhere to established internal processes for wildfire-related communication. KEC will share information about its Wildfire Mitigation Plan, including details on PSPS,with members,employees, the public,the media, and other stakeholders(including federal, state, tribal, and local agencies). KEC will,to the extent practical, communicate any anticipated or actual PSPS with any neighboring utility that may be impacted by the PSPS. KEC anticipates that neighboring utilities will similarly share information regarding any anticipated or actual de-energization that will impact KEC. To the extent that KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 17 DECEMBER 31,2025 KEC obtains information from another utility regarding any de-energization that will impact KEC, KEC will integrate such information in its operational planning." 5.2 Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal, and Local Agencies 5.2.1 Annual Coordination Meeting Prior to May 1 of each calendar year, KEC will schedule and host (or if a similar meeting is scheduled and hosted by another entity, participate in) a meeting ("Annual Coordination Meeting") with, as applicable, federal, state,tribal,and local officials and agencies to coordinate on wildfire preparedness and emergency response plans. To the extent that KEC schedules and hosts the Annual Coordination Meeting, KEC will invite applicable federal, state, tribal and local officials and agencies, including without limitation, the OEM, Kootenai County Fire Chiefs, Coeur d'Alene Tribe Police Chief, and the Idaho Department of Lands to the Annual Coordination Meeting. The Annual Coordination Meeting may be held in person or virtually or both. 5.2.2 Communication of Changes in Operating Condition Whenever the NFDRS rises to "High" or above (or a Red Flag Warning Day), KEC will notify OEM,the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Polce Chief, and Idaho Department of Lands of a potential of a change in operating condition. 5.2.3 Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS With regard to PSPS, KEC will notify OEM as follows: • At any time that KEC determines whether a PSPS is likely or imminent, KEC will notify OEM of the potential of a PSPS and the potential areas on KEC's electrical system that may be affected by a PSPS. • When there is a PSPS, KEC will notify OEM that a PSPS has occurred,the areas on KEC's electrical system that are impacted by the PSPS and, if available, an estimate of how long the PSPS will be in effect. • When the event requiring a PSPS has passed and KEC begins the restoration process, KEC will notify OEM that it has commenced restoration and, if available, will provide an estimate of how long it will take for KEC to restore its electrical system. • Upon completion of the restoration process after a PSPS, KEC will notify OEM that restoration is complete. Upon notification from KEC, OEM will notify other state and local agencies. 5.3 Member Communications KEC's wildfire-related communication goals are as follows: • Educate members about KEC's approach to wildfire prevention and mitigation. • Inform members about the current wildfire conditions and any actions that KEC may take to mitigate wildfire risk, including any operational conditions/limitations on KEC's system and any PSPS. • Prepare members for PSPS or other wildfire-related outages, including reminders to update their contact information, report outages, access updates on system conditions/outages, and access safety/preparedness tips. 11 The only other utility in the area that is likely to impact KEC's operations is Avista Corporation. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 18 DECEMBER 31,2025 Before the wildfire season begins, KEC will communicate broad messages about safety and preparedness to KEC's membership. As weather events or system changes occur, KEC will direct more targeted messages to members affected by the changes. Below are the communications channels used to share wildfire and outage related messages to KEC's members: • Powerl-ines monthly member newsletter,which is included in member billing statements (an e- version is also sent to all member email addresses). • KEC's website: www.kec.com.This is a source of information and education about wildfire, safety, and outages for members. It is updated regularly. • Social media: KEC regularly updates its Facebook and Instagram pages with timely information and updates about outages, safety and wildfire. • News releases are used as needed to provide information to local media outlets. • KEC sends an annual wildfire email to all members. KEC also sends targeted emails and/or text/SMS to members affected by outages.These methods will also be used to communicate with members that may be affected by a fire mitigation mode adjustment or a PSPS. Due to KEC's rate structure, members with needs or infrastructure that they deem to be critical are expected to provide their own redundancy and/or backup to provide power in the event of de- energization. Therefore, KEC currently does not identify any critical infrastructure and/or members. To the extent KEC identifies any critical infrastructure and/or members in the future, KEC shall maintain a list of such critical infrastructure and/or members and shall provide targeted communications to such critical infrastructure and/or members via email, text/SMS, or other appropriate communication method. 6. Cost Evaluation; Cost-Benefit Approach The Wildfire Standard of Care Act requires wildfire mitigation plans to identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. This includes financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, planned, and existing lines to mitigate fire risk.12 In Order No. 36774, the Commission ordered that electric corporations must (i) explain how an electric corporation's line design methods reduce the potential for wildfire ignition, including a cost evaluation, and (ii) include a cost benefit analysis in their proposed wildfire mitigation plans that justifies the expenditures for risk mitigation described in such wildfire mitigation plans.13 The costs incurred by KEC, including costs incurred pursuant to its construction work plan,vegetation management plan, and inspection plan, are incurred for multiple purposes. Those purposes include, among other things, extending service to members, enhancing reliability, replacing outdated infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation. It is not possible to determine the amount of each expenditure that is properly allocated to wildfire mitigation as opposed to some other purpose. Accordingly, in evaluating any project, KEC evaluates all of the needs and benefits associated with the project to determine whether the costs of the project are justified. 12 Idaho Code§61-1803(3). t3 Order No.36774 at 20. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 19 DECEMBER 31,2025 It is also not possible to obtain a precise calculation of the potential costs of future wildfires.14 As noted by Idaho Power: publicly available analyses of recent wildfires illustrate the magnitude of potential avoided costs when prudent mitigation reduces the likelihood or consequences of catastrophic events. For example, in Idaho,the Moose Fire in 2022—which grew to approximately 130,000 acres— cost approximately$ 100 million to suppress, as did the Pioneer Fire in 2016. The Charlotte Fire in Pocatello ( 2012) destroyed 66 homes, burned approximately 1,038 acres, and estimates at the time gauged damages at$12 million,though officials noted that timely response helped protect approximately$472 million in property value. In eastern Washington in 2023,the Gray and Oregon fires together destroyed over 350 homes and caused multiple fatalities. Costs and damages associated with the 2020 Idaho wildfire season alone are estimated between $100 to $250 million. In more catastrophic events outside of Idaho, the costs are exponentially higher.The recovery costs of the Maui wildfires in 2023 are expected to exceed $ 2 billion, and in California, costs and damages associated with the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires are estimated between$28. 0 billion and $53. 8 billion." This data supports the conclusion that the costs of KEC's wildfire mitigation efforts set forth in this Plan are reasonable expenditures to avoid the potential costs associated with a wildfire. KEC is a member-owned non-profit corporation. KEC is not a public utility subject to rate regulation by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Rather, KEC is governed by its board of directors. KEC's board of directors has reviewed this Plan and its costs of implementation and has determined that the Plan (i) includes financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, planned, and existing lines to mitigate fire risk; (ii) is feasible; and (iii) reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. KEC Resolution#10-25 is attached hereto as Appendix D. "See Idaho Power Company's 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan,filed in Case No. IPC-E-25-32,at page 15 (stating: "Ultimately, Idaho Power found that obtaining a precise calculation of the potential costs of future wildfires is not possible."). 15 Id. (internal footnotes omitted). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 20 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix A Vegetation Management Plan Incorporation in Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) is incorporated in, and is part of, Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc's ("KEC") Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Purpose. The purpose of vegetation management performed by KEC is to identify and control or eliminate vegetation that threatens the integrity, reliability, or safety of the electrical facilities that are part of KEC's electrical system ("KEC Facilities"). This VMP provides the general standards and guidelines for KEC's performance of vegetation management. VMP Implementation Schedule. Vegetation management includes pruning and removing tree and brush species in the areas around KEC Facilities, the proper disposal of debris created by those activities, and other steps necessary to identify and control or eliminate vegetation that threatens the integrity, reliability, or safety of KEC Facilities. Each calendar year, KEC shall develop a VMP Implementation Plan for the next calendar year. Each VMP Implementation Plan shall (i) identify the KEC Facilities (or portions of the KEC electrical system) where vegetation management is scheduled to be performed in the applicable calendar year; (ii)the resources that will be required to perform the scheduled vegetation management (including the anticipated KEC personnel,total number of personnel hours, KEC contractors, and equipment necessary to perform the scheduled vegetation management activities); and (iii)the steps to be taken to document and report the work that is performed pursuant to the VMP Implementation Plan Each VMP Implementation Plan will also include projected VMP Implementation Plan for the calendar year immediately following the first calendar year. For example,the VMP Implementation Plan that is developed in 2025, will include the VMP Implementation Plan for 2026 and a projected VMP Implementation Plan for 2027. Right-of-Way Clearing and Trimming. KEC's standard practice is to maintain a 30-foot area around its overhead and above-ground electric facilities operating at distribution voltages. KEC's standard practice is to clear everything within 15' 15' r fifteen (15)feet of the centerline of its overhead and above- ground electric facilities operating at distribution voltages as illustrated in the graphic below. KEC will perform vegetation management in accordance with its standard practice of a clearing everything within fifteen (15) feet of the centerline of the KEC Facilities, except as otherwise required by applicable federal,state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances("Applicable Laws"). In addition to clearing everything within 15 feet of the centerline of the KEC Facilities, KEC will also remove any hazard trees as discussed herein. Figure 1 ROW Clearances In those circumstances where clearing in accordance with the standard practice stated above is either not permitted or is impractical, pruning will be performed in a manner that is consistent with best management practices as published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) guidelines, including ANSI A300, applicable OSHA KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 21 DECEMBER 31,2025 requirements, and all Applicable Laws. Such pruning will be performed to remove dead/dying branches and other parts overhanging, encroaching, or otherwise threatening any KEC Facilities. Vegetation Management Practices • Residential:Vegetation that is cleared or pruned will be masticated. Debris will not obstruct roads, ditches,or drains.To the extent practical, KEC will discuss any pruning or clearing of ornamental plantings with landowners before work begins.Topping is not an accepted practice. • Rural and Undeveloped Areas:Vegetation that is cleared or pruned will be masticated, and scattered. Live and dead trees will be felled and arranged parallel to power lines without blocking roads, streams, or ditches. System-Wide Assessment Using Al &Satellite Imaging. KEC will assess its electrical system every two (2)years using an AI-powered vegetation intelligence system, which provides wildfire risk analysis, hazard tree identification, tree segmentation, height and health analysis, 3D vegetation risk scoring, and recommended work prioritization. The Encroachment Risk Rating system classifies vegetation risks as: 1. High (0-3 feet from conductor) 2. Medium (3-6 feet) 3. Low (6-10 feet) 4. Minor 5. Clear Vegetation Management Schedule and Prioritization. KEC performs vegetation management on a seven (7)year cycle in accordance with its VMP Implementation Plan. Vegetation management to be performed in each year of the cycle shall be included in the VMP Implementation Plan for such year and will be organized by feeder and prioritized based on historical outage frequency and duration.Vegetation management that is required to be performed in a calendar year that is not included in the VMP Implementation Plan for that year (including, service order work) is prioritized based on an assessment of the Encroachment Risk Rating as follows: • Priority 1 (High Encroachment Risk):Addressed within the year identified. • Priority 2 (Medium Encroachment Risk):Addressed after Priority 1 within two (2)years after identified. • Priority 3& 4 (Low and Very Low Encroachment Risk):Addressed in the normal course within the seven (7)year cycle. Hazard Tree Mitigation. Hazard trees are trees that are identified as dead,dying, or structurally damaged that pose a risk to KEC Facilities. Hazard trees outside a right-of-way that present a fall risk are continuously evaluated and prioritized for removal. Priority is assigned based on U.S. Forest Service wildfire zone data. KEC's field planners will assess the Encroachment Risk Rating of each hazard tree that is identified and will assign work accordingly. KEC will, in accordance with KEC's Vegetation Management Policy, remove any hazard tree that is outside the right-of-way(or outside of the 30-foot KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 22 DECEMBER 31,2025 area cleared of vegetation in accordance with KEC's standard practice) if such hazard tree reasonably threatens KEC's facilities. Member-Reported Service Orders& Emergency Response. Member-reported concerns will be assessed by a KEC representative. If the request involves vegetation that is encroaching on any KEC Facilities, work will be performed per specifications and this Vegetation Management Plan. Underground Structures. KEC's crews must be able to inspect utility equipment at all times. Any obstruction that impedes access to KEC facilities will be removed to allow immediate access. Cleanup. Logs that are left after performing vegetation management will be cut into tree lengths, unless the member/landowner requests that such logs be cut into firewood lengths. Stumps will be cut as close to ground level as practical. Stump removal is not performed by KEC. All wood is left for property owners. Brush and limbs from live trees will be chipped or lopped and scattered,while those from dead trees will be left for the property owner. Secondary Line Trimming. Members are responsible for vegetation management for secondary service lines. KEC does not generally perform vegetation management for secondary service lines, but KEC may, in its sole discretion, perform such vegetation management. KEC will provide line drops free of charge for members to trim trees affecting secondary service lines. Member Communication. Members will be notified before circuit trimming begins. KEC will make reasonable efforts to notify other(non-member) landowners. In the event that any landowner(member or non-member) denies KEC access to perform vegetation management in accordance with this Vegetation Management Plan, KEC will provide such landowner notice in accordance with the Wildfire Standard of Care Act of its intent to access and perform vegetation management. Compensation for Live Marketable Timber on Timber Company Land. Pursuant to the Act, "[i]f live marketable timber is identified for removal from timber company land adjacent to the right-of-way, compensation at fair market value shall be made to the landowner for such timber." I.C. § 61-1803(3)(g)(i). With regard to KEC's determination of such fair market value, KEC incorporates its response to Commission Staffs First Product Request, Request No. 4, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 to this VMIP. Order No. 37081 at 13 (item viii). Conclusion.This document serves as KEC's official Vegetation Management Plan. This Vegetation Management Plan is supported by KEC's Vegetation Management Policy,Vegetation Management Procedure,which reference and guide vegetation management activities. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 23 DECEMBER 31,2025 Exhibit 1 Vegetation Management Plan KEU S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 4 Exhibit 1 to Vegetation Management Plan KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 4 IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 4 Person Preparing Response: Julie Turbin, VP of Operations& Operational Services Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208) 292-3280 Request No. 4: Please describe the Company's process for compensating timber land owners for the marketable timber. In your response, indicate whether compensation is also provided to private owners, Idaho state agencies, tribal entities, or other entities, and explain any differences in treatment. KEC Response: The Wildfire Standard of Care Act("Act")requires compensation for marketable timber identified for removal from timber company land adjacent to rights-of-way. I.C. § 61-1803(3)(g)(iii). The Act does not require a process for compensating landowners and does not address compensation to any other landowners and,therefore,to the extent that this request seeks information regarding a process for compensation and/or compensation to other landowners, the requested information is beyond the scope of this proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, KEC provides the following information in response to Staff s request: To KEC's knowledge, KEC does not have any facilities on timber company land that will require removal of marketable timber and does not contemplate the need to remove any live marketable timber from timber company land adjacent to any rights-of-way. In the unlikely event that KEC does need to remove marketable timber from timber company land adjacent to its rights-of-way in the future, KEC will, if appropriate, work collaboratively with the landowner to determine fair compensation. KEC does not provide compensation for marketable timber removed from its rights-of-way (ROW). When timber removal is necessary, KEC makes reasonable efforts to cut the trees into log lengths and leave them on site for the landowner's use or disposal. See KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan at Appendix A(stating: "Logs that are left after performing vegetation management will be cut into tree lengths, unless the member/landowner requests that such logs be cut into firewood lengths."). This practice is applied consistently regardless of whether the landowner is a private individual, a state agency, a tribal entity, or another type of landowner. Appendix A-1 2026-2028 Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Vegetation Management Implementation Plan 2026-2028 Overview This Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP) outlines how Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. (KEC) will operationalize its Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) over a three-year period. This plan reflects KEC's commitment to safety, reliability, mitigation, regulatory compliance, and stewardship of its rights-of-way through best practices. Staffing Structure • Planners: 3 o Planners will inspect circuits prior to crew mobilization. Using Overstory satellite data, planners will assess hazard trees, identify high-risk wildfire zones, and engage with members and landowners to communicate the scope of work. • Crews: 9 total 0 1 Crew for system-wide Hazard Tree mitigation 0 1 Crew for member-requested vegetation work (tree tickets) 0 7 Crews dedicated to circuit-based vegetation management Vegetation Management Strategy For each circuit: 1. Planners will evaluate Overstory data to prioritize hazard tree removal. 2. Work will begin in high wildfire risk areas with encroachment. 3. One crew will begin at the substation and proceed downline; the second crew will begin at the identified priority locations.Then start circuit trimming at designated location. Crew Assignments by Year • Crew 1: Hazard trees (system-wide, ongoing) • Crew 2: Member tree tickets (ongoing) • Crew 3: o Julia Street:Jan 2026—Dec 2026 o Scarcello: 2027—2028+ • Crew 4: o Pleasant View:Jan 2026—Dec 2027 o Scarcello: 2028+ • Crew 5: o Pleasant View:Jan 2026—Dec 2027 o Scarcello:Jan 2027—Dec 2028 • Crew 6: o Athol:Jan 2026—Oct 2026 o Beck Road: Nov 2026—Oct 2027 o Hayden: Nov 2027—Dec 2028 • Crew 7: o Athol:Jan 2026—Oct 2026 o Beck Road: Nov 2026—Nov 2027 o Hayden: Dec 2027—Dec 2028 KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 24 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Crew 8: o Plummer:Jan 2026—Jul 2026 o Setters: Aug 2026—Dec 2027 o Rathdrum: 2028+ • Crew 9: o Plummer:Jan 2026—Jul 2026 o Setters: Aug 2026—Dec 2027 o Ogara: 2028+ Documentation & Reporting KEC will use Inspection software to document all vegetation management activities in the field.This includes: • Tree work progress (pruning, removals, hazard tree mitigation) • Location-specific data, including GPS coordinates and condition assessments • Real-time status updates and digital checklists for crew accountability Work completed will be audited using drone-based LiDAR data, which will be analyzed to ensure compliance with KEC specifications, clearance standards, and right-of-way maintenance requirements. These audits will support continuous quality assurance and help validate contractor performance and cycle effectiveness. Resource Planning KEC will estimate the number of personnel and labor hours required to complete each year's scheduled work and will staff crews accordingly. These estimates will be informed by historical workload and circuit characteristics. Every two years, following receipt of updated Overstory Al and satellite vegetation data, resource requirements will be re-evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure alignment with vegetation growth patterns, encroachment risk trends and hazard tree counts. Projected expenditures for right-of-way(ROW) clearing are as follows: • 2026:$5,686,609 • 2027:$5,857,207 • 2028:$6,032,923 Review Cycle This Implementation Plan will be reviewed and updated annually in conjunction with the VMP and will include projections for the subsequent three calendar years. Adjustments will be based on Overstory assessments, work audits, member requests, and unplanned events such as storm response or wildfire emergencies. This document supports and aligns with KEC's Vegetation Management Plan and associated policies and procedures. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 25 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix B 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan This Construction Work Implementation Plan ("CWIP") includes the estimated annual budgets for construction projects for calendar years 2026-2028.The projects included in this CWIP will mitigate wildfire risk. These system improvement projects are also planned for reasons other than wildfire mitigation including to support KEC's forecasted growth, to enhance the reliability of KEC's electrical system,to improve grid resiliency, and to replace end-of-life equipment. i Project Type Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate New Consumers - Underground $4,208,013 $4,397,374 $4,595,256 $13,200,643 New Consumers -Overhead $87,372 $91,304 $95,413 $274,089 New Tie Lines $0 $1,275,048 $2,643,929 $3,918,977 Conversion & Line Upgrades $20,240,767 $7,483,515 $5,178,511 $32,902,793 New Substations $176,655 $6,879,758 $4,564,665 $11,621,078 Substation Upgrades, Inside Sub Fence $3,747,242 $2,500,370 $3,594,673 $9,842,285 Meters $1,153,149 $1,205,041 $1,259,268 $3,617,458 Sectionalizing $2,217,142 $1,904,128 $1,929,332 $6,050,602 Voltage Regulators and Controls $3,239,500 $3,385,278 $798,816 $7,423,594 Capacitor Banks and Controls $104,500 $109,203 $114,117 $327,820 Pole Replacements $836,000 $873,620 $912,933 $2,622,553 Miscellaneous Replacements $2,296,910 $1,493,890 $1,561,115 $5,351,915 Road Moves $522,500 $546,013 $570,583 $1,639,096 Transmission Lines $9,642,905 $4,745,190 $0 $14,388,095 Security Lights $156,750 $163,804 $171,175 $491,729 Transmission Pole Replacements $52,250 $54,601 $57,058 $163,909 Minor Projects $3,448,5001 $3,603,6831 $3,765,8481 $10,818,031 Total Budget Estimate $52,130,155 $40,711,820 Pursuant to Commission Order No. 37081,the following responses to Commission Staff's requests for production are attached hereto and incorporated herein: • KEC's response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No. 1, including the detailed list of known projects used by KEC to refine its 2026-2028 budget estimates and information is attached to this Appendix B as Exhibit 1. Order No. 37081 at 12 (items i, iii, and vii). • KEC's response to Commission Staff's First Production Request, Request No. 11, regarding metrics used by KEC for measuring efficacy of its grid hardening is attached to this Appendix B as Exhibit 2. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item iv). • KEC's responses to Commission Staff's Second Production Request, Request Nos. 15 and 16, regarding grants awarded to KEC are attached to this Appendix B as Exhibit 3. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item ii). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 26 DECEMBER 31,2025 Exhibit 1 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC's Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 1 (including Exhibit A) Exhibit 1 to 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 1 (including Exhibit A) IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 1 Person Preparing Response: Scott Davis,VP Engineering Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G.Andrea, General Counsel, (208) 292-3280 Request No. 1: Idaho Code § 61-1803(3), § 61-1803(3)(b), and § 61-1803(3)(e)address preventative actions and programs, as well as methods of line design. The Commission's WMP Guidelines for Idaho Code § 61-1803 (3)(e), Method of Line Design, states: "Financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new,planned, and existing lines to mitigate fire risk." The Guidelines further state: "The electric corporation must describe how its methods of line design for new lines and planned upgrades reduce wildfire ignition potential in heightened wildfire risk areas. This must include evaluation of costs to wildfire risk reductions. Additionally, this must include how the electric corporation clearly identifies, selects, and evaluates projects that reflect a balance of mitigation costs with resulting reduction in wildfire risk." Appendix B of the Company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan("WMP")provides project types and budgets for 2026-2028. Further, Sections 3.1 and 3.2 describes the potential Grid Modernization and Methods of Line Design initiatives. For each project type in Appendix B,please identify specific known projects used to develop the 2026-2028 budget estimates and provide the following information for each project: a. Project type; b. Project name; c. Brief description of the project; d. Estimated cost of the project(could be a range); e. Targets of the project(e.g.,miles, number of assets installed/replaced); f. Explanations of the benefits of this project; g.Alternatives considered and explain why this was chosen as the best alternative; h. Costibenefit considerations; and i. Estimated completion date. KEC Response: The Wildfire Standards of Care Act("Act")requires wildfire mitigation plans to identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflect a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk and requires the Commission to consider the feasibility of the plan and the cost of its implementation. See I.C. § 61-1803(3), 61-1804(1). The Act does not provide the Commission with authority to regulate cooperatives', like KEC's,projects and/or costs and provides no authority over costs to the extent that such projects,project benefits and/or project costs are not related to wildfire mitigation. Therefore,to the extent that this request seeks information regarding projects,project benefits, and/or project costs not related to wildfire mitigation,the requested information is not relevant and is beyond the scope of this proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing,KEC provides the following response. The Construction Work Implementation Plan as presented in Appendix B of the WMP is a snapshot of the financial work plan at the time of the WMP filing with IPUC. The detailed list of known projects used to refine the 2026-2028 budget estimates and information as requested in this response item are tabulated in Item 1 - Exhibit A. With regard to subparts f and h of this request, KEC notes that KEC considers the benefits of all projects, including, but not limited to, benefits associated with reliability, extending service to members, replacing outdated infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation. Projects are rarely, if ever, solely performed for any single reason, including wildfire mitigation. Rather, KEC considers all attributes of any project. Furthermore, it is not clear what is needed for subpart h of this request and how that is differentiated from the response that is provided in subpart f. It is impossible to quantify the amount of any given project that should be attributed to wildfire mitigation as opposed to any other benefit(s) of the project. More fundamentally, it is impossible to predict or quantify the costs of a future wildfire.' However, even assuming that 100 percent of KEC's projects and costs and benefits were solely attributable to wildfire mitigation(which they are not), given the extremely high cost of wildfires as evidenced by recent wildfires,the benefits of those projects would almost certainly always outweigh the costs.2 Note that the sum of cost values for the known projects in Item 1 - Exhibit A has been further refined since the tabulation was provided in Appendix B of the WMP. 'See Idaho Power Company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan filed in IPC-E-25-32 at page 15(stating: "Ultimately,Idaho Power found that obtaining a precise calculation of the potential costs of future wildfires is not possible."). z See id. (noting costs of recent wildfires). z 4; 2 2 7.c 3V re E 7 95 sxs M ia n ag FEE e F e E z Hot :,-m 2 V 9 A 1 Z Ell HL I al Al l I l L- ass p 2 w all ILL-Al, z 2 Z At Ml� A it it Z E c I 'E E Ml, ILI 1 g g, gN3 tY E I E I 5 Zx le GH z � _ ! ` ! | ! | \ � � � � \ , ^ � � / \ /��� �� \ \ | ) /� � / .1 1 4 : i { � G , � j| ) � j § } ! { � |!!,!|!!!!;!e El Exhibit 2 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 11 Exhibit 2 to 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 11 IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 11 Person Preparing Response: Scott Davis, VP Engineering Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208)292-3280 Request No. 11: Please list and describe the Company's metrics for measuring the efficacy of its grid hardening. In addition,please explain if the Company currently or plans to measure the effect of its grid hardening efforts relative to System Average Interruption Duration Index, System Average Interruption Frequency Index, Customer Average Interruption Duration Index, and/or Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index. KEC Response: KEC follows the IEEE 1366 standard for tracking SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, and CEMI reliability metrics for all outages. These metrics are tabulated and graphed on a quarterly basis for a rolling 12-month dataset that includes major event days and then for another rolling 12-month dataset that does not. The tabulation and graphical information also illustrate the system reliability performance by sub and by feeder level which allows measurements to be made on reliability improvement for grid hardening projects complete on each substation and feeder level. KEC currently targets substation feeders with the worst reliability metrics for grid hardening projects. KEC measures effect of its grid hardening efforts relative to System Average Interruption Duration Index, System Average Interruption Frequency Index, Customer Average Interruption Duration Index, and/or Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index on a quarterly basis, using a rolling 12-month dataset. Exhibit 3 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEU S Response to Staff s Second Production Request, Request Nos. 15 and 16 Exhibit 3 to 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC'S Response to Staff s Second Production Request, Request Nos. 15 and 16 IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 Second Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 15 Person Preparing Response: Reed Christensen, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208) 292-3280 Request No. 1: In the Response to Staffs First Production Request at No. 1, Project Name"603- 2026-09" on Line 53 in"Item I —Exhibit A"is described as"WRIP Grant VIPER Recloser Installations, 8 locations."Please answer the following: a. Please provide the awarded grant documents (i.e.,Notice of Award, approved proposal, etc.); b. Please provide the number of VIPER reclosers planned to be installed in 2026, 2027, 2028; c. Please provide the locations that the Company is focusing on using the grant; d. Please provide the metrics that will be used to evaluate the VIPER reclosers; e. Please explain if the Company has to financially match the grant; and f. Please provide the timeline of the grant. KEC Response: The purpose of the cited WRIP Grant, as set forth in the WRIP Subaward Agreement(attached to KEC's response to subpart a below), "is to increase grid resilience, reduce wildfire risk, enhance fault detection and isolation, and improve reliability."To the extent that this request seeks information regarding KEC's costs and projects for purposes other than the purposes set forth in the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, I.C. §§ 61-1803(3), 61-1804,this request seeks information that is not relevant to the Commission's review or approval of KEC's 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, KEC provides the following response: a. Please provide the awarded grant documents (i.e.,Notice of Award, approved proposal, etc.); The following awarded grant documents are attached: "WRIP Conditional Award Letter" "WRIP Subaward Agreement KEC" b. Please provide the number of VIPER reclosers planned to be installed in 2026, 2027, 2028; Eight VIPER reclosers are planned to be physically installed in 2026 with further telecommunications and commissioning work performed in early 2027.No work is expected in 2028. c. Please provide the locations that the Company is focusing on using the grant; At this time, the precise locations have not yet been decided. However, as mentioned in the grant application, these advanced reclosers will be strategically placed in high-risk areas most susceptible to wildfire to improve the reliability and safety of our electric distribution system. d. Please provide the metrics that will be used to evaluate the VIPER reclosers; KEC does not understand this request. Once installed,the VIPER reclosers will be incorporated into KEC's electrical system and monitored and inspected as part of that system. e. Please explain if the Company has to financially match the grant; and As set forth in the WRIP Subaward Agreement attached in response to subpart a of this request, the company is required to match the grant funding up to $117,008 of the total project cost of$468,031. f. Please provide the timeline of the grant. Eight VIPER reclosers are planned to be physically installed in 2026 with further telecommunications and commissioning work performed in early 2027.No work is expected in 2028. Once work is fully completed, funding will be provided to KEC to reimburse KEC for the construction work. IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 Second Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 16 Person Preparing Response: Reed Christensen, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208) 292-3280 Request No. 16: Please explain if the Company has been awarded any other grants for wildfire mitigation projects in 2026-2028. If so,please answer the following: a. Please provide the name of the grant; b. Please provide the status of the grant; c. Please provide the grant amount and any Company match; d. Please provide the timeframe of the grant; and e. Please describe what the grant will be used for. KEC Response: To the extent that this request seeks information for purposes other than those purposes set forth in the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, I.C. §§ 61-1803(3), 61-1804,this request seeks information that is not relevant to the Commission's review or approval of KEC's 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, KEC provides the following response: a. Please provide the name of the grant; Idaho Energy Resilience Grant Program (ERGP) b. Please provide the status of the grant; The grant agreement between KEC and the State of Idaho's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources was executed on May 4, 2026. c. Please provide the grant amount and any Company match; The total cost of the project is estimated to be $745,340. KEC is to match $141,010 of the total project costs. d. Please provide the timeframe of the grant; and The project related expenditures will commence in July 2026 and continue through July 2027. e. Please describe what the grant will be used for. The project will entail two main endeavors. The first activity entails a satellite scan of the vegetation on our distribution system to identify and prioritize vegetation risks and identify dead or dying trees outside of the right-of-way that are considered hazardous. Using the information produced from the satellite scan, KEC would then deploy an additional vegetation crew to conduct hazardous-tree removal for those trees identified outside of the right-of-way. Appendix C 2026-2028 System Inspection Implementation Plan This System Inspection Implementation Plan includes the estimated power line feeders, lengths, and budgets for inspection in calendar years 2026-2028. The inspections of the feeders included in this System Inspection Implementation Plan are targeted to mitigate wildfire risk and improve system reliability. Substation Feeder Year Length(mites) Budgeted Cost Dower East 2026 60.6 Setters North 2026 113.8 Setters South 2026 116.8 2026 Total 291.2 $219,981 Rathdrum 2027 53 15th Street 2027 57.7 2027 Total 110.7 $233,180 Rathdrum 2028 54.6 Pleasantview 2028 82.3 2028 Total 136.9 $247,170 Grand Total 538.8 $700,331 KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 27 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix D Resolution # 10-25 Kootenai Electric ,,m COOPERATIVE KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE,INC. Resolution#10-25 Review and Acceptance of Wildfire Mitigation Plan WHEREAS,in the 2025 legislative session,the Idaho Legislature enacted the Wildfire Standard of Care Act. 2025 Idaho Sess.Laws Ch.249(S.B.1183),codified at Idaho Code§§61-1801,et seq.("Act");and WHEREAS,the Act provides that electric corporations that are not public utilities,including the Cooperative, may adopt and file a wildfire mitigation plan("Plan")with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission("Commission");and WHEREAS,the Act requires Plans submitted to the Commission to identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk;and WHEREAS,in reviewing and approving a Plan,the Act requires the Commission to(i)ensure that the Plan meets the minimum requirements stated in the Plan,including that the Plan includes financially prudent and reasonably practical methods of line design for new,planned,and existing lines to mitigate fire risk;and(ii)consider certain factors, including the feasibility of the Plan and the cost of its implementation;and WHEREAS,determinations regarding(i)financial prudency and practicability of the Cooperative's methods of line design for new,planned,and existing lines;(ii)whether the Cooperative's Plan reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk;and(iii)matters regarding the feasibility of the Plan and the cost of its implementation are within the purview of the Cooperative's board of directors;and WHEREAS,management has reviewed the Cooperative's Plan and has presented it to the Cooperative's board of directors for review;and WHEREAS,the board of directors has reviewed the Cooperative's Plan and its costs of implementation and has determined that the Plan(i)includes financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, planned,and existing lines to mitigate fire risk;(ii)is feasible;and(iii)reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 28 DECEMBER 31,2025 Resolution#10-25 Signature Page NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the board hereby accepts the Cooperative's 2026-2028 Plan as presented by management and authorizes management to make such revisions to such Plan as management deems necessary or advisable to file the Plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for approval pursuant to the Act;provided that any substantial changes to the costs associated with the Plan shall be submitted to the board for its review and approval. Approved this 20`h day of November,2025 411 William R.Swick,Chair I,Roger Tinkey,Secretary of the Board of Directors of Kootenai Electric Cooperative,Inc.,do hereby certify that the above Resolution#10-25 was presented to and approved by the Board of Directors this 2011 day of November 2025 and that none of the above Resolution has been altered or rescinded. Roger Tinke ,Sec ry KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 29 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix E Wildfire Standard of Care Act and Order No. 36774 WMP Guideline Compliance Matrix The WMP Guidelines adopted by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission in Order No. 36774 indicate that WMPs should include a section that describes how the electric corporation addresses each of the Commission's orders and Staff's recommendations. This Wildfire Standard of Care Act and Order No. 36774 WMP Guideline Compliance Matrix describes the section(s) of KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan ("Plan")that address each such requirement. Wildfire Standard of Care Act Requirements and Order No.36774/WMP Guideline Requirements KEC Wildfire Mitigation Plan Compliance Each wildfire mitigation plan("WMP")shall be developed using approaches and methods that are All sections of KEC's Plan. designed to protect the public interest and are reflective of and commensurate with the size and KEC's Plan was developed using approaches and methods that are designed to complexity of the electric corporation's operations and the nature of the fire risk. I.C.§61- protect the public interest and are reflective of and commensurate with the size 1803(3). and complexity of KEC's operations and the nature of the fire risk. Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach Appendix D—KEC Resolution#10-25 Each WMP shall identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflect a reasonable balancing of All sections of KEC's Plan identify means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflect a mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. I.C. §61-1803(3). reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach Appendix D—KEC Resolution#10-25 Each WMP is to identify geographical areas where an electric corporation has infrastructure or Section 2.1—Identification of Geographical Areas that May be Subject to equipment that the electric corporation considers may be subject to a heightened risk of wildfire Heightened Risk of Wildfire. at the time the WMP is finalized by the electric corporation. I.C. §61-1803(a). Figure 3—Heightened Risk Areas • The electric corporation must include a description of the wildfire risk assessment or model used to guide wildfire mitigation activities.The assessment should identify geographic areas with elevated fire risk,considering factors such as vegetation,weather,topography,historical fire occurrence,structure density,and asset location. • The electric corporation should provide a map of the identified risk areas within its service territory within this section of its WMP.The identified risk areas should be defined with different level of fire risks to the utility.There must be an explanation of what determines each level of risk and risk assessments of each service territory should be updated annually in the WMP. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 2. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 29 DECEMBER 31,2025 Each WMP is to include preventive actions and programs that the electric corporation will carry out to reduce the risk of wildfire. I.C.§61-1803(3)(b). • The electric corporation must describe all preventative actions and programs that it will carry out to reduce the risk of wildfire,in addition to actions and programs specified in statute and by this Commission. • WMP's preventative actions and programs must include,but is not limited to: Situational Awareness efforts Section 4—Fire Season Operational Guide o Which may include use of technology to aid in weather monitoring,fire season outlook, Section 4.1—Daily Situational Awareness daily,weekly,and monthly weather and fire modeling risk,etc. Consistent with 61-1803(3)(f) Figure 4—Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example (for Illustrative Purposes and Staff's proposed requirements within. Only) Figure 5—Daily Situational Awareness Table _._._._.A . Asset Inspections p_._._._._._ .................................................._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.-._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.__.__._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.__._. -Section 3.4—Development ment of Standards Procedures and Schedules for....................................... o Which must include the frequency and standards of inspections for each type of electric Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure,and Facilities Within Heightened Fire infrastructure within areas of elevated wildfire risk. Risk Areas Consistent with 61-1803(3)(g)(i)and Staffs proposed requirements within. Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan Appendix A-1—Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Appendix C—System Inspection& Maintenance Plan - _ _ _ _._._________ -------------_............................................................. Enhanced vegetation management practices in risk zones Section 3.3—Vegetation etation Management o Which may include shorter vegetation management cycles than routine cycles, risk tree Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan programs,etc. Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Consistent with 61-1803(3)(g)(iii)and Staffs proposed requirements within. ........................-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------._._._._._._._.__._._._._._._._._._._.-._._.-._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._. ._Section 4.3-0 p g erational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkag._.e_._._._._._.___.._._._._._._._._._._._._._ Operation practices during heightened wildfire risk days or zones Figure 7—Fire Danger/Operational Index o Which may include restrictions to workforce practices, potential use of proactive de- Figure 8—Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational Table energization Section 4.3.1—Risk Monitoring and Forecasting Consistent with 61-1803(3)(g)(ii)and Staffs proposed requirements within. Section 4.3.2—Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making Section 4.3.3—Notification and Coordination(Pre-Activation Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) Section 4.4—Final Decision and Activation(24-0 Hours Out) Figure 9—National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix,Eastern Washington and North Idaho 4.3.5—Monitoring During a PSPS 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 30 DECEMBER 31,2025 ----------- Community education---------------...... ----------------------...............................---------------------------...... -------- ---- ........................................_.....-------.........-_...--.................................--...............---------------------------- Section 5-Outreach and Communication o Which may include public service announcements to create awareness and provide Section 5.1—KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication education of wildfire risks,providing preventative measures,etc. Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local Agencies Consistent with 61-1803(3)(c)and 61-1803(3)(d) Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in Operating Condition Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS ....... .......... ................. And an Section 5.3—Member Communications any additional requirements ordered by the Commission Section 3.1—Grid Modernization Section 3.2—Methods of Line Design for New, Planned,and Existing Lines to WMPs may include: Mitigate Fire Risk System hardening strategies:Which may include pole replacements,line rebuilding,or Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan undergrounding if necessary,strategic fuse or reclosers installations,etc. Figure 5—Daily Situational Awareness Table Workforce Preparedness:Which may include workforce training,equipment provided to employees to reduce the risk of wildfire,etc. N/A Pilot Programs:If applicable. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 2-4. Each WMP is to include community outreach and public awareness efforts that the electric corporation will use before,during, Section 5—Outreach and Communication and after wildfire season to identify and inform the public of relevant wildfire risks and notify the public of wildfire-related Section 5.1—KEC Internal Processes to Guid outages. I.C.§61-1803(c). Wildfire-Related Communication Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State, This section should include discussion of how each utility maintains community outreach and public awareness before, Tribal,and Local Agencies during,and after wildfire season to support customer awareness and education of wildfire risks and notify the public of Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting wildfire-related outages.This discussion should include,but is not limited,to the following: Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in • Description of customer communication efforts related to wildfire mitigation,including efforts to increase awareness Operating Condition and education of the utility's plan,explanation of key mitigation activities,and efforts supporting public readiness. Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM • If the utility utilizes de-energization,a description of public education efforts and communication protocols for before, Regarding PSPS during,and after a de-energization event.The communication protocols should clearly identify which customers could Section 5.3—Member Communications and will be impacted if a de-energization event is pursued and identify any advanced notifications for critical infrastructure or customers,which may include but not limited to,hospitals and other medical facilities,schools,police, fire,emergency operation centers,any jails/prisons,other utilities,and vulnerable customers. • Explanation of the communication methods the electric corporation intends to use,such as mail,flyers,emails,calls, texts,a notification system,its website,etc. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 4. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 31 DECEMBER 31,2025 Each WMP is to include outreach efforts to coordinate with federal,state,tribal,and local officials and Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local agencies on wildfire preparedness and emergency response plans. I.C.61-1803(3)(d). Agencies Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting The electric corporation must describe how it engages with and coordinates with federal,state,tribal,and Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in Operating Condition local officials and agencies on wildfire preparedness and emergency response in the plan year.This Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS discussion may include,but is not limited to: • If applicable,Public Safety Power Shutoff("PSPS")tabletop exercises with interested parties and agencies • Communication with the agencies and the ESF-12 coordinator within the PUC. • If applicable,mitigation efforts with the agencies. The WMP must detail all relationships(such as BLM and Forest Service)it has established that may benefit the wildfire mitigation program,contribute to program costs,or provide cost sharing opportunities in its WMP. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 4-5. Each WMP is to include financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, Section 3.1—Grid Modernization planned,and existing lines to mitigate fire risk. I.C. §61-1803(e). Section 3.2—Methods of Line Design for New,Planned,and Existing Lines to Mitigate Fire Risk The electric corporation must describe how its methods of line design for new lines and planned upgrades Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan reduce wildfire ignition potential in heightened wildfire risk areas.This must include evaluation of costs to Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach wildfire risk reductions.Additionally,this must include how the electric corporation clearly identifies, Appendix D—KEC Resolution#10-25 selects,and evaluates projects that reflect a balance of mitigation costs with resulting reduction in wildfire risk for the following,but is not limited to: • Line rebuilding within the WMP. • Undergrounding lines within the WMP. • Installation of covered conductor. • Installation of non-wooden cross arms. • If any,describe any flexible infrastructure such as automatic reclosers and remote-controlled devices that support remote operations Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at S. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 32 DECEMBER 31,2025 Each WMP is to include monitoring of forecasted and current weather data for the purpose of assessing and Section 4—Fire Season Operational Guide responding to current and anticipated fire risk. I.C.§61-1803(f). Section 4.1—Daily Situational Awareness Figure 4—Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example(for Illustrative This section should include a description of how the electric corporation monitors forecasted and current Purposes Only) weather conditions for the purpose of assessing and responding to current and anticipated wildfire risk. Figure 5—Daily Situational Awareness Table This description must include,but is not limited to,the following: Section 4.3—Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage • Identification of systems,tools,or external resources used to monitor weather,fire potential,or other Figure 7—Fire Danger/Operational Index situational awareness indicators. Figure 8—Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational • If applicable,a description of how the utility utilizes weather forecasting,fire potential modeling,or Table similar tools,to inform mitigation activities and operational decisions. Section 4.3.1—Risk Monitoring and Forecasting • Discussion of how situational awareness capabilities are integrated into daily or seasonal wildfire Section 4.3.2—Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making operations. Figure 9—National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, • Discussion of how the electric utility becomes aware of another electric corporation's de-energization Eastern Washington and North Idaho (e.g.,Bonneville Power Administration)and how that is integrated into operations. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 5-6. Each WMP is to include standards, procedures,and schedules,subject to timely approval of access to rights- of-way, if necessary for the following actions: i Inspection of the electric corporation's assets infrastructure and facilities within the areas that Section 3.4—Development of Standards Procedures and are identified as heightened fire risk areas in the wildfire mitigation plan,where financially Schedules for Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure,and prudent and reasonably practicable. Facilities Within Heightened Fire Risk Areas Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan This section should provide a summary of electric corporation's programs for the inspection of electric Appendix A-1—Vegetation Management Implementation Plan infrastructure,assets,and facilities within areas identified as heightened wildfire risk areas to identify and Appendix C—System Inspection& Maintenance Plan correct conditions that could contribute to wildfire ignition.This summary must include,but is not limited to,the following: • Description of inspection standards for each type of infrastructure,assets,and facilities. • Description of schedules for inspections for each type of infrastructure,asset,and facility. • Description of baseline routine inspection methods and enhanced inspection methods for higher fire risk areas,which may include the use of advanced or pilot technologies. • Explanation of how identified defects are classified,prioritized,and corrected. • Measurable targets/goals to be achieved within the WMP.E.g.,miles of lines inspected,corrected identified defects,etc. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 6. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 33 DECEMBER 31,2025 ----------- -................................... -- --- ------- -------- -- -- --- - - .. ---------------------- -- --- -- ... _-_-................................ ------- ... . . . ----- -- . . ------ (ii) De-energization of the electric corporation's power lines,if considered appropriate by the Section 4.2—Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS)Procedure electric corporation;and Section 4.3—Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage Figure 7—Fire Danger/Operational Index If an electric utility plans to use de-energization as part of its wildfire mitigation efforts,this section must Figure 8—Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational address the standards,criteria,and operational protocols,for de-energization for encroachment of a Table wildfire,proactive de-energization(PSPS)to reduce fire risk,and deenergization from 3rd party energy Section 4.3.1—Risk Monitoring and Forecasting providers.This discussion must include,but is not limited to the following: Section 4.3.2—Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making Section 4.3.3—Notification and Coordination(Pre-Activation • A summary of the conditions under which de-energization may be used,if applicable. Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) • The criteria or protocols for evaluating its appropriateness to engage. Section 4.4—Final Decision and Activation(24-0 Hours Out) • Summary of the electric corporation's operational protocols for before,during,and after a de- Figure 9—National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, energization event. Eastern Washington and North Idaho • Description of how the electric corporation will coordinate with local emergency managers,operators 4.3.5—Monitoring During a PSPS of critical facilities,and affected communities before,during,and after a de-energization event. 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS • Descriptions of other operations for limiting impact to affected communities;which may include Section 5—Outreach and Communications community resource centers,emergency generators,backup batteries,etc. Section 5.1—KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 7. Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local Agencies Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in Operating Condition Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS Section 5.3—Member Communications KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 34 DECEMBER 31,2025 -----_-III----------- --- ---------- - . _-................................................... ------ ---- -- - . - - ------- ................................. -- - -- - - -................-..........._ _ _........-...........-.........-- ..........._.................-----------------------------.............. - ( ) Vegetation management within the areas that are identified as heightened fire risk areas in the Section 3.3 Vegetation Management wildfire mitigation plan and are within the electric corporation's rights-of-way or lands adjacent Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan thereto and that threaten the power lines or other electric corporation infrastructure. If live Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management marketable timber is identified for removal from timber company land adjacent to the rights- Implementation Plan of-way,compensation at fair market value shall be made to the landowner for such timber. This section must provide an overview of the utility's vegetation management program aimed at reducing the risk of vegetation-related contact with electric infrastructure in areas with heightened wildfire risk within its rights-of-way or lands adjacent thereto. Elements of this vegetation management section overview should include,but is not limited to,the following: • Identification,description,and citation of vegetation management standards for elevated wildfire risk areas. • Explanation of how vegetation management standards,procedures,and schedules are different or the same as routine vegetation management. • Description of the current and planned vegetation management practices used to mitigate wildfire risk,including any enhancements in designated wildfire areas. • The electric corporation must explain how the electric utility considered vegetation management recommendations by other federal,state,and county agencies into its standards. • Must include measurable targets/goals to be achieved within the WMP.E.g.,miles of lines completed,risk trees removed,etc. • Explanation of how identified risk trees are classified,prioritized,and corrected. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 7-8. An update of lessons learned from the previously approved WIMP within the annual filings for WMP N/A review and approval. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 8. A breakdown of each program category's forecasted costs by year for both capital and O&M expenditures Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management through the length of the WMP. Implementation Plan Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 8. A section in which it describes how the electric corporation addresses each of the Commission's orders Appendix E—Wildfire Standard of Care Act and Order No.36774 and Staffs recommendations. WMP Guideline Compliance Matrix Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 8. Electric corporations shall develop rolling WMPs with a minimum three-year planning horizon. Section 1.1—Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 35 DECEMBER 31,2025 Order No.36774 at 20. Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan WMPs must explain how an electric corporation's line design methods reduce the potential for wildfire Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach ignition,including a cost evaluation. Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan Order No.36774 at 20. All electric corporations must include a cost-benefit analysis in their proposed WMPs that justifies the Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach expenditures for risk mitigation described within. Order No.36774 at 20. Unregulated Entities shall submit a completed copy of Staffs proposed"Need to Know"document with See Application of Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc.for Approval their initial WMP filings to aid Staff in its review of the plan. of its Wildfire Mitigation Plan at page 1 and Attachment 2. Order No.36774 at 20. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 36 DECEMBER 31,2025 APPENDIX F Heightened Wildfire Risk Map Overlayed with Boundaries for Areas Served by KEC ^ S m" * �I AVUA e 4 a� � i Hayden ' , PO5ft r 4 Coen[ d'Alene .w+r � * s r {� . � r C e � " t WiWiim risk zone. ■Very high d Ifth , Medium Dli imm�r L cm i Vely 10* APPENDIX G KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 14 CIPUC Case No. C07-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 14 Person Preparing Response: Julie Turbin, VP of Operations& Operational Services Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208)292-3280 Request No. 14: Regarding the Company's risk assessment of its service territory,please explain how the Company determined each level of risk identified as medium, high, or very high, including the criteria and thresholds used to distinguish between each level of risk. KEC Response: As stated in Section 2.1 of KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan: KEC uses a combination of resources and data to determine specific geographical areas that are considered to have a heightened risk of wildfire. First, as shown in Figure 3, KEC utilizes data from Wildfire Risk to Communities.' This data rates the areas from very low to very high, based on techniques developed to create various simulations factoring in weather, topography, ignitions and vegetation. This data is then overlayed with proprietary vegetation management software that produces further insight into how those areas overlap within the KEC service area and infrastructure. This allows KEC to better understand how the identified wildfire risk zones align with vegetation encroachments and hazard trees and develop vegetation management goals to prioritize heightened risk zones. Areas with denser vegetation are denoted on Figure 3 as "Medium," "High,"and"Very High"Wildfire Risk Zones,which are areas that KEC considers may be subject to a heightened risk of wildfire (Heightened Risk Areas). KEC uses the information depicted in Figure 3 to prioritize vegetation management practices and other work in Heightened Risk Areas. ' Wildfire Risk to Communities: Spatial datasets of landscape-wide wildfire risk components for the United States. 2nd Edition.Fort Collins,CO:Forest Service Research Data Archive available at: https://doi.orp-/10.2737/RDS- 2020-0016-2. REDLINE (for information only) Kootenai Electric COOPERATIVE n,. First Amended 2026-2028 WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN December 31 202SOuly 9, 2026 9014 W.Lancaster Road I Rathdrum,ID 83858 © O TEL 208-765-1200 1 TOLL FREE 800-240-0459 1 Fax 208-772-5858 EMAIL kec@kec.com I WEB kec.com Table of Contents: 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan ......................................................................................2 1.2 Definitions....................................................................................................................................2 2. Geographical Area Served by KEC and Areas that May Be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire......3 2.1 Identification of Geographical Areas that May be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire.........5 3. Preventive Actions and Programs to Reduce Risk of Wildfire.............................................................76 3.1 Grid Modernization....................................................................................................................745 3.2 Methods of Line Design for New, Planned, and Existing Lines to Mitigate Fire Risk...................7 3.3 Vegetation Management.............................................................................................................7 3.4 Development of Standards, Procedures, and Schedules for Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure, and Facilities Within Heightened Fire Risk Areas..............................................................8 4. Fire Season Operational Guide..............................................................................................................8 4.1 Daily Situational Awareness.........................................................................................................8 4.2 Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS) Procedure..........................................................................12 4.3 Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage ..................................................................13 4.3.1 Risk Monitoring and Forecasting...........................................................................................14 4.3.2 Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making........................................................................15 4.3.3 Notification &Coordination (Pre-Activation Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) ................................15 4.3.4 Final Decision and Activation (24-0 Hours Out)....................................................................16 4.3.5 Monitoring During a PSPS......................................................................................................17 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS...........................................................................................17 4.3.7 Post-Event Review..................................................................................................................17 5. Outreach and Communication............................................................................................................17 5.1 KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication ..........................................17 5.2 Coordination with Federal, State,Tribal, and Local Agencies....................................................18 5.3 Member Communications.........................................................................................................18 Table of Figures: Figure 1: Service Area Across Counties........................................................................................................4 Figure 2: Service Area Within the State of Idaho..........................................................................................5 Figure3 Heightened Risk Areas.....................................................................................................................6 Figure 4 Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example (for Illustrative Purposes Only).......................................9 Figure 5 Daily Situational Awareness Table.................................................................................................10 Figure 6 DSAT Mitigation Levels..................................................................................................................11 Figure 7 Fire Danger/Operational Index......................................................................................................13 Figure 8 Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational Table.....................................................14 Figure 9 National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, Eastern Washington and North Idaho.......16 Appendices: Appendix A: Vegetation Management Plan ................................................................................................21 Appendix A-1:Vegetation Management Implementation Plan ..................................................................21 Appendix B: 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan.............................................................26 Appendix C: 2026-2028 System Inspection Implementation Plan..............................................................27 AppendixD: Resolution# 10-25..................................................................................................................28 AppendixE: Compliance Matrix .................................................................................................................28 Appendix F: Heightened Wildfire Risk Map Overlayed with Boundaries for Areas Served by KEC Appendix G: KEC's Response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No. 14 KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 1 DECEMBER 31,2025 1. Introduction Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. (KEC), founded in 1938, is the largest of ten not-for-profit, member- owned cooperative utilities in Idaho in terms of load and total customers served. With its main office in Rathdrum, Idaho, KEC provides electric utility service to its members primarily in Kootenai County. It also serves portions of Bonner and Benewah counties in Idaho, and Spokane County in Washington. KEC's service territory is quasi-urban in nature with over half of its power lines being underground. While the largest cooperative in the state in terms of load and customers served, other cooperatives are larger in terms of miles of lines. KEC's mission is to provide its members with exceptional service and dependable power at competitive rates. 1.1 Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan The primary objective of KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan ("Plan") is to provide direction to staff with regard to (i)the design, inspection, operation and maintenance of KEC's electrical system to mitigate wildfire risk; (ii) coordination with federal, state,tribal, and local officials and agencies on wildfire preparedness and emergency response plans; and (iii)outreach and public awareness efforts to be used before, during, and after wildfire season to identify and inform the public of relevant wildfire risks and to notify the public of wildfire-related outages. KEC's Plan utilizes a three-year planning horizon. Specifically, KEC's Plan includes a rolling three-year Vegetation Management Implementation Plan, Construction Work Implementation Plan, and System Inspection Implementation Plan that, respectively, forecast the vegetation management, construction, and system inspection work for the next three calendar years. In March 2025,the State of Idaho enacted the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, Idaho Code§§ 61-1801 to 61-1808 (Act). Among other things, the Act affords electric cooperatives, like KEC, the ability to adopt and file a wildfire mitigation plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("Commission")for review and approval. KEC's Plan is designed to comply with the requirements of the Act. Effective Date: Upon acceptance by the KEC board, KEC will take steps to implement this Plan and this Plan shall remain in effect until such time as this Plan is superseded by a Commission-approved wildfire mitigation plan or is superseded or rescinded by board action. 1.2 Definitions Below are definitions of some frequently used terms. Act:The Wildfire Standard of Care Act, Idaho Code §§ 61-1801 to 61-1808, as such Act may be amended or superseded. Commission:The Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Construction Work Implementation Plan (CWIP): KEC's three-year rolling Construction Work Implementation Plan referred to in Section 3.1 and attached as Appendix B to this Plan. Construction Work Plan: KEC's Construction Work Plan referred to in Section 3.1 of this Plan. Energy Release Component(ERC):The Energy Release Component is a number related to the available energy(BTU) per unit area (square foot)within the flaming front at the head of a fire. Daily variations in ERC are due to changes in moisture content of the various fuels present, both live and dead, or Fire Potential Index model to assess local wildfire risks. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 2 DECEMBER 31,2025 Heightened Risk Areas: Heightened Risk Areas are those areas identified in Section 2 of this Plan that KEC considers may be subject to heightened risk of wildfire at the time this Plan is finalized and may change due to changes in circumstances, including changes in weather. Hot Line Tag:A setting in a recloser control that, when enabled, opens the recloser without intentional delay when an overcurrent situation on the power line is detected by the control. Incident Command Team (ICT):The Incident Command Team (ICT) is a key group of KEC staff responsible for responding to the emergency and restoring service to KEC's members. Non-Reclose:A setting in a recloser control that, when enabled, opens the recloser and prevents the recloser from automatically closing, attempting to re-energize or restore power on the power line. OEM: Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management. Particularly Dangerous Situations(PDS) Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service, indicating critically dangerous fire weather including high or gusty winds, high temperatures, and low humidity. Plan: This Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS): A temporary power outage initiated by an electric utility to reduce the risk of wildfires during extreme fire risk. Recloser: A recloser is an automatic, high-voltage electric switch which de-energizes the affected portion of the power system when a fault, such as a tree falling into an electric power line, occurs. Red Flag Warning: A Red Flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service,generally indicating critical fire weather with sustained surface winds exceeding a 10-minute average of 15 mph combined with relative humidity (RH) less than 25%. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): A system combining hardware and software elements to allow electrical utilities to control and monitor power system devices remotely. Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP): KEC's Vegetation Management Implementation Plan referred to in Section 3.3 and attached as Appendix A-1 to this Plan. Vegetation Management Plan (VMP): KEC's Vegetation Management Plan referred to in Section 3.3 and attached as Appendix A to this Plan. 2. Geographical Area Served by KEC and Areas that May Be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire KEC serves approximately 38,000 meters across three counties in North Idaho and Eastern Washington. To provide electric service to its members, KEC owns and operates approximately 940 line-miles of overhead electric line and 1,500 line-miles of underground electric line. Figure 1 illustrates the areas that are served by KEC in these four counties'and Figure 2 illustrates the general area that KEC serves within the State of Idaho. ' Idaho does not have defined geographical service areas. The area shown in Figure 1 generally depicts the area where KEC has infrastructure to serve its members; however,other electric utilities also serve their customers within that same general area. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 3 DECEMBER 31,2025 Kootenai Electric Coo erative Service TerTitga Bonner -�' County .--- `Spokane .: Coun tY �. Kootenai County I jr -0j v' -:... rj Benewah County .Swmes Esn USGS.MOA.L �u,-�e.REsn,Garnr, uacs_rrRs Figure 1: Service Area Across Counties KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 4 DECEMBER 31,2025 Kootenai Electric Cooperative Service Territo Bonner County Spokane 7' County Kootenai County BgnNe1waa'h Idah Figure 2:Service Area Within the State of Idaho 2.1 Identification of Geographical Areas that May be Subject to Heightened Risk of Wildfire KEC uses a combination of resources and data to determine specific geographical areas that are considered to have a heightened risk of wildfire. First, as shown in Figure 3, KEC utilizes data from Wildfire Risk to Communities.z This data rates the areas from very low to very high, based on techniques developed to create various simulations factoring in weather,topography, ignitions and vegetation.This data is then overlayed with proprietary vegetation management software that produces further insight into how those areas overlap within the KEC service area and infrastructure.This allows KEC to better understand how the identified wildfire risk zones align with vegetation encroachments and hazard trees and develop vegetation management goals to prioritize heightened risk zones. Areas with denser z Wildfire Risk to Communities:Spatial datasets of landscape-wide wildfire risk components for the United States. 2nd Edition. Fort Collins,CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive available at: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS- 2020-0016-2. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 5 DECEMBER 31,2025 vegetation are denoted on Figure 3 as"Medium;' "High," and "Very High" Wildfire Risk Zones, which are areas that KEC considers may be subject to a heightened risk of wildfire (Heightened Risk Areas). KEC uses the information depicted in Figure 3 to prioritize vegetation management practices and other work in Heightened Risk Areas. ti E Athol ' Hayden i Post Falls Coeur d'Ale ,A `3 Wildfire risk zones Plummer Figure u u r r � Figure 3 Heightened Risk Areas A Heightened Wildfire Risk Map overlayed with the boundaries of the areas that KEC serves is attached hereto as Appendix F. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item v). As indicated in Figure 3 above, virtually all of the areas served by KEC are medium, high, or very high wildfire risk zones and therefore, as noted above, are considered Heightened Risk Areas. KEC prioritizes capital protects, including protects that serve to mitigate the risk of wildfire, based on need considering factors such as reliability, expansion to serve KEC's members, and the need to replace aging infrastructure. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item vi). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 6 DECEMBER 31,2025 3. Preventive Actions and Programs to Reduce Risk of Wildfire 3.1 Grid Modernization KEC has developed its 2025-2029 Construction Work Plan Wildfire risk zones 0 (Construction Work Plan)to modernize its electric system. The Construction Work Plan includes reasonably practical methods for new, planned, and existing lines to, among other things, - mitigate fire risk. The Construction Work Plan, is a five-year plan that includes projects to ensure that power system has the capacity to meet the growing demands of the members served, and to modernize the grid by replacing end of life equipment, enhancing reliability, and mitigating fire risk. Projects included in the Construction Work Plan include: • Replacing end of life oil circuit reclosers (OCR) and other strategically located reclosers with solid dielectric,vacuum interrupted reclosers equipped with solid-state controls and advanced protection schemes; • Installing new solid dielectric, vacuum interrupted reclosers on KEC feeders originating from non- KEC owned substations to provide advanced protection schemes; • Installing, in strategic locations, solid dielectric insulated pad-mounted switchgear equipped with operators and solid-state controls connected to the SCADA system to provide remote indication, monitoring, and control; and • Installing new protective feeder relays equipped with Arc Sense Technology(AST) in KEC owned substations for high-impedance fault detection on distribution feeders. The Construction Work Plan also includes finalizing the integration of a new SCADA system with an existing Geographic Information System (GIS).This integration will set up the framework required to deploy SCADA to feeder-level devices and perform Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) functions. The additional ADMS functions include, among other things,the ability to remotely control feeder level reclosers outside of substations, remotely adjust protection settings, and automatically detect and isolate sections of the power system through Fault Location Isolation and System Restoration (FLISR). To implement its Construction Work Plan,each calendar year, KEC develops a Construction Work Implementation Plan ("CWIP"). The CWIP provides a forecast of the work in the Construction Work Plan that KEC intends to perform in each of the next three calendar years. KEC's CWIP is incorporated into this Plan and is attached hereto as Appendix B. 3.2 Methods of Line Design for New, Planned,and Existing Lines to Mitigate Fire Risk In addition to modernization discussed in Section 3.1 above, the Construction Work Plan includes steps to harden KEC's electrical system with upgrades and design changes.These designs stem from engineering experience and the adoption of emerging technologies. The Construction Work Plan includes: • The use of ductile iron poles for fire-resiliency construction of overhead distribution lines; • The undergrounding of overhead distribution lines to improve reliability and eliminate the impact of wind and tree related outages, which provides effective wildfire mitigation strategies; and • The replacement of traditional expulsion fuses with current limiting fuses,when possible, in strategic high-risk wildfire zones to reduce the energy and potential ignition source for wildfires. 3.3 Vegetation Management KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 7 DECEMBER 31,2025 KEC has adopted a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP)to identify and control or eliminate vegetation that threatens the integrity, reliability,or safety of the electrical facilities that are part of KEC's electrical system. The VMP calls for the assessment of KEC's service territory every two (2)years and provides wildfire risk analysis, hazard tree identification,tree segmentation, height and health analysis, 3D vegetation risk scoring, and recommended work. Pursuant to the VMP,vegetation management is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. KEC's VMP is incorporated herein and is attached hereto as Appendix A. To implement its VMP, each year KEC prepares a Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP). The VMIP that is developed each year is a three-year rolling plan. That is,the VMIP that is developed in each calendar year sets out the strategy, resources, and schedule for vegetation management to be performed in the next calendar year as well as a projected schedule for the following two calendar years. Each VMIP establishes the specific sections of KEC's electrical system (identified by specific feeders)that are targeted for vegetation management in each calendar year. The VMIP is developed using information available to KEC at the time the Implementation Plan is prepared. KEC will monitor conditions and needs and may modify the implementation of its VMP in response to changes in circumstances to the extent KEC deems necessary to provide for the safe, efficient, and reliable distribution of electric power to KEC's members. KEC's 2026-2028 VMIP is attached hereto as Appendix A-1. 3.4 Development of Standards, Procedures,and Schedules for Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure,and Facilities Within Heightened Fire Risk Areas In addition to the assessments performed in accordance with KEC's VMP (discussed in Section 3.3 above), KEC also performs inspections of its system in accordance with its System Inspection Implementation Plan, which is attached hereto as Appendix C. All inspection data is electronically recorded and tied to specific map locations. Recording this data provides a centralized and accessible record of asset condition over time.This electronic system supports maintenance and tracking of repairs. KEC follows a time-based inspection cycle for system assets: • Overhead and Underground Line Assets: Inspected on a 12-year cycle. • Switchgear: Inspected on a 1-to 4-year cycle depending on asset type and location. • Substations: Inspected monthly. All defects identified during inspections are documented and routed to Operations for timely repair or replacement. 4. Fire Season Operational Guide 4.1 Daily Situational Awareness During periods when the National Fire Danager Rating is elevated to a level of High or greater(as defined in Figure 7),daily morning briefings will be held (on normally scheduled workdays) by the Operations Superintendents with the line crews and Operations staff to review the daily fire risk in the areas served by KEC as indicated by the Tempest system. An example of the information provided by the Tempest system is seen below in Figure 4. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 8 DECEMBER 31,2025 ye 2 2 A 63 -, 4. Figure 4Tempest System Doily Fire Risk Example(for Illustrative Purposes Only) Based on the Tempest information, Operations Superintendents will review the Daily Situational Awareness Tool (Figure S) and its associated mitigation strategies (Figure 6)' be|ovu woorswm ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN PAGE oscsmama1,aoa TEMPEST DAILY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS TOOL(DSAT) KEC Operating Mitigation Condition' General Activity Specific Description Normal Elevated Vehicle travel on &off road. With A A A no vehicle/vegetation contact Vehicle Operations Travel off-road or on unmaintained A Special road with vehicle/vegetation A No parking Circumstances/Stage 2 contact. on dry grass Fire Restrictions C Heavy Dozers, graders, skid steers, Water Trailer or Water Equipment Use/ trenchers, etc. All road A B Truck Ground maintenance, water bars, pole hole Special Disturbing Work drilling, etc. Includes all blasting. Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions C Equipment maintenance or Water Trailer or Water Construction and replacement. (Cross arms, pole Truck maintenance of replacement, reconductor, A B Special electric facilities substation, transformers, relays, Circumstances/Stage 2 meter maint/replacement, etc.) Fire Restrictions C Vegetation Vegetation clearing. A B Special Management Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions C Cutting, All types of spark-producing Grinding, cutting, grinding, or welding work. A B Special Welding Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Internal Use of equipment with combustion B Combustion engines not covered elsewhere. A B Engine Use Includes AN chainsaw, generator, Special compressor, etc. Circumstances/Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Figure 5 Daily Situational Awareness Table 'The Operating Mitigation Condition is established by the Tempest DSAT. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 10 DECEMBER 31,2025 MITIGATION LEVELS FOR DSAT Mitigation Level A Mitigation Level B Mitigation Level C Special Circumstances/ Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Apply 1. Documented Safety 1. Work will stop until a 1. Work will stop until a Essential work only. Tailboard prior to new Safety Tailboard is new Safety Tailboard Essential work is work performing any work. completed any time fire is completed anytime that is approved by a At minimum. one fire risk increases. fire risk increases. supervisor as essential ■ suppression hand tool 2. At minimum,two fire 2. At a minimum,one fire work. Except for shall be within 100 suppression hand tools suppression hand-tool essential work that feet of job site or shall be within 25 feet per crew member shall cannot be deferred,all immediately available of job site for a crew be present at job site. other work will be deferred to days with when the work is not with multiple persons. 3. At a minimum,two KEC less critical fire risk. stationary. 3. At a minimum,one KEC approved fire 2. Designated person to approved fire extinguishers shall be 1. Mitigations will be call 911 in the event of extinguisher shall be available at the job site determined a basis. an ignition. available at the job site and every crew vehicle case-by-case b and every crew vehicle shall have a filled 5- Fire risk mitigation shall have a filled 5- gallon backpack water practices may not be gallon backpack water pump at the job site or possible for some pump within 25 feet of readily accessible on work activities,and job site or immediately work that is not their continuance available when work is stationary, i.e., access should be restricted. not stationary. road maintenance. ■ Documented Fire 4. Designate a working Watch person(s)as Fire Watch. appropriate on Safety Check all work sites for Tailboard. hot spots or 4. Designated person to smoldering embers for call 911 in the event of 45 minutes after work an ignition. activities have ceased. ■ Designated person to call 911 in the event of an ignition. Figure 6 DSAT Mitigation Levels KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 11 DECEMBER 31,2025 Fire Restriction Stages: KEC will comply with all fire restrictions in accordance with applicable law, including Idaho Code §§ 38-115, 38- 121, Idaho Admin. Code 20.04.01.080. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are posted on Idaho Department of Lands' website and are available at: www.idi.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder. 4.2 Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS) Procedure A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a temporary power outage initiated to reduce the risk of wildfires during extreme fire risk.The two charts below (Figures 7 and 8) illustrate the PSPS decision making process and the operational actions to be taken in each situation.4 a In addition to decisions to initiate a PSPS in accordance with this Plan, KEC will coordinate with applicable public agencies to accommodate,where appropriate, requests from such public agencies to energize or deenergize KEC' s electrical system for public safety. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 12 DECEMBER 31,2025 4.3 Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage FIRE DANGER/OPERATIONAL INDEX National Fire Danger Very High w/Red s Modera ' High Very High - - Rating �- _ Flag Warning Weather and fuel Weather and fuel Potential for large conditions indicate conditions indicate Red Flag Warning Fires spread rapidly fires exists. Fires Weather and fuel some potential for some potential for and fires spread Fire Danger/ and show erratic spread rapidly. indicators show the fire occurrence. fire occurrence. rapidly and show Operational Index behavior. Extreme fire Definition probability of fire Expect predictable Expect predictable Dangerous burning erratic behavior. behavior is occurrence is low. fire behavior with fire behavior with Dangerous burning moderate rate of moderate rate of conditions exist. conditions exist. probable.Critical conditions exist. spread. spread. Substation Circuit Automatic Reclose Breaker Settings Automatic Reclose Non-Reclose on Red Non-Reclose Non-reclose Hot Line Tag Hot Line Tag Flag Warning days Normal until fault Line Crew Patrol Normal until fault condition identified. All Outaged Lines Between Non-Reclose All Outaged Lines Following Circuit Outage condition identified. On Red Flag Set Devices Warning days all outaged lines. Non-Reclose (to be Non-Reclose Line Reclosers in accomplished as Non-Reclose Non-Reclose (potential for PSPS Predetermined Hazard Automatic Reclose Automatic Reclose soon as reasonably (potential for PSPS at select locations Areas at select locations) during Red Flag practical after the change in NFDRS). Warning). No Increased Number of NO (with the exception of Red Flag yes Yes Yes Yes 'On Call' Personnel Warning days) Pre-positioning of Personnel During High Wind or Fire Weather No No Yes Events Figure 7 Fire Danger/Operational Index 5 For purposes of this Plan,the National Fire Danger Rating( "NFDR" )shall be the applicable National Fire Danger Rating provided by the Coeur d' Alene Interagency Dispatch Center posted at: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/dc/idcdc/. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 13 DECEMBER 31,2025 PSPS Decision Making Process during Fire Season/Operational Table Level NFDR Conditions Description Utility/Public Actions 0 No elevated fire risk. Normal operations. No action Low Conditions needed. Conditions are drying, mild 1 Moderate Elevated sustained winds forecasted. Situational awareness. Fire weather being Internal utility monitoring. monitored.' High winds+ low humidity 2 High Watch forecast.' Fire weather is Notify agencies. Early public awareness messaging. likely. Warning/ Weather event' likely. PSPS 3 Very High Advisory under consideration in high- Public alerts. risk areas. Very High PSPS Event PSPS highly likely in next 24— Final prep. Staging crews. 4 w/Red Flag Likely 48 hours if weather persists. Community readiness. Warning PSPS may be activated due Active outage. - • • to imminent wildfire risk. Communication+ restoration -- planning. Figure 8 Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational Table9 4.3.1 Risk Monitoring and Forecasting During periods where conditions are at Level 0 or Level 1 as set forth in Figure 8,Operations will monitor: • Weather forecasts and information, including: o National Weather Service Regional Weather at: https://www.weather.gov/otx/firedashboard. o Tempest One weather stations with wind alert configuration via email and text. o Tempest One Daily Situational Awareness Tool to determine best operational practices. o Windy.com with Mapping Overlay to determine time and duration of wind events. e Fire weather refers to weather conditions that create a higher risk of fire generally due to higher temperatures, lower relative humidity,and/or high winds. 'High wind means generally sustained winds over 20 mph and/or wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. Low humidity is generally when the relative humidity is below 20%,which creates drier fuels and increased fire potential. 8 Weather events are extreme weather conditions, such as high temperature and low humidity combined with high winds,create or exacerbate the potential for wildfires. 9 This Figure 8 is intended to be used solely as a tool to aid the decision-making process to determine whether and when to activate a PSPS. Decisions whether and when to activate a PSPS will be made by Incident Command pursuant to Section 4.3.4 of this Plan. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 14 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Remote sensing, weather stations, and satellite imagery to identify high-risk areas.t' • Fuel moisture levels, including Dry Vegetation/Fuel Moisture Criticality: Dry grasses, shrubs, and trees, based on local fuel moisture readings.Typically,when the moisture level of 1000-hour fuels are at or below 11%, 100-hour fuels are at or below 8%and live fuels at or below 120%. • Northern Rockies Coordination Center 1000-hour Fuel moisture graphs and the 100-hour Fuel moisture. • The Burning Index at : https://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/predictive/fuels fire-danger/fuels fire- danger.htm. 4.3.2 Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making During periods where conditions are at Level 2 or Level 3 as set forth in Figure 8,the PSPS Planning Committee (Operations, Safety, Legal,Communications) will conduct impact analysis regarding a potential PSPS, including analysis of: • The number of members who may be affected, and • Whether any critical infrastructure (hospitals, emergency services, water systems) may be affected. Grid Operations will also evaluate: • Any Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service A Fire Weather Watch is issued when there is a high potential for the development of a Red Flag Warning due to: o Abundant lightning and dry fuels, o Sustained surface winds exceeding 15 MPH and relative humidity (RH) less than 20%in the valleys, RH less than 25% in the mountains, o low RH of 15%or less, and/or o an unusually unstable atmosphere. • Alternatives to PSPS(e.g.,grid rerouting,temporary barriers) • Potential duration of any PSPS and restoration times • Whether and when to make initial recommendations to proceed to pre-activation phase (See Section 4.3.3). 4.3.3 Notification &Coordination (Pre-Activation Phase:72-24 Hours Out) During periods where conditions are at Level 3 or above as set forth in Figure 8, in addition to the activities set forth in Section 4.3.2 above, ICT will notify OEM who will notify the following, as applicable: • Local, county,and state emergency agencies • Tribal governments and public safety partners • Hospitals and critical infrastructure The Incident Command Team (ICT)will also begin public outreach, including: • Notifying the media and public via website, text, email, automated calls, and social media and, as applicable: o Explaining potential PSPS zones o Providing resources and preparation tips 0 Details about KEC's weather station network are provided in KEC's response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No. 14,which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Appendix G. Order No. 37081 at 13 (item(ix). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 15 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Contacting Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management(OEM)to coordinate the set-up of public resource centers(if needed) 4.3.4 Final Decision and Activation (24-0 Hours Out) During periods where conditions are at Level 4 and Level 5 as set forth in Figure 8,the Incident Command Team (ICT) will reassess conditions in real-time, including: • Fire Weather Watch conditions, • Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service 24 hours in advance, indicating critical fire weather(high winds+ low humidity). Sustained surface winds exceeding a 10-minute average of 15 mph combined with relative humidity less than 25%, and Red Flag Warning Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS): Issued by the National Weather Service, indicating critical fire weather(high winds+ low humidity) (See Figure 9): o Conditions last 3+ hours, 1000-hour fuels 10%or less o Energy Release Component(ERC) in the 90th percentile or higher(see 4.3.8 below) o Little to no rain past 30-90 days with less than .10 inches o Wind speeds 30 mph or greater o Wind gusts over 40 mph o Exception will be made when relative humidity is less than 10%. For Eastern WA and North Idaho Red Flag Weather Matrix Dry Fuels with(Low RH+Winds)for at least 2 hours --� Relative Humidity ARMW Racmd dy Wind Onts' tars fU•I s 36% RH:30-40% RH:25.30% RH:20-25% RH:15-20% RH.10-15% RH:less -ruider ConsiUer a " Minimum PDS Prerequisites Co ',. v- .,. G>70 mph RFYI RFW Conditions last 3+hours N G>25 moh NO mmussin pFWer t4 R(W Rr to " -.' -`<..- 1000 HR 10%or less o ERCs 90th percentile or higher C Con ide 20-30 mph Hlountai❑ Ccnsltlrr M - G>30 mph RFN r Rrw Little to no rain past 30-90 days(<.10') >30 mph Co"sidn ;;vw - Wind speed 30 mph or greater G>40 mph R=++ 1Mind gusts>40 mph --— (exception when RH Was then 10%) >30 mph ePN 4 N G>50 mph - ?lie F•xe:r,b its Ma.ru.w pn11 RH<30% Low-Maro nal:consider Ir Low- Marginal mountain(25%)vsvaley C_ Headline Headline ROD4gWamL. (20%)humidity&fuel status Figure 9 National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, Eastern Washington and North Idaho • Confirm weather severity and fire risk • Make final decision to activate PSPS and de-energize circuits. The General Manager, or designee, will make the final decision to initiate a PSPS based on the recommendation of the ICT. If a PSPS is initiated, the ICT: • Will direct the opening of devices to de-energize affected lines, and KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 16 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Confirm with field teams that de-energization has occurred safely. 4.3.5 Monitoring During a PSPS During any PSPS,the ICT will take, or will direct,the following steps until restoration is complete: • Patrol and monitor de-energized lines for safety hazards, • Coordinate with emergency services for any incidents, • Take reasonable steps to identify and provide on-site support for critical members, and • Provide public regular updates, including estimated restoration times (if available). 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS After the ICT determines that a PSPS is no longer necessary,Operations will begin the re-energization protocol. Under the re-energization protocol, Operations will: • Conduct line inspections, • Clear vegetation and hazards, • Verify system integrity and readiness, and • Restore power. Communications will take steps to notify customers of restoration progress. 4.3.7 Post-Event Review As promptly as reasonably practical after a PSPS has occurred and restoration is complete, the PSPS Review Management Team (which will include representatives from all teams involved in the PSPS event) will conduct an internal after-action review. The internal after-action review will include a review of the following: • Response timeline, • Communication effectiveness, • System and personnel performance, and • Public and agency feedback. Upon completion of the internal after-action review, the PSPS Review Management Team will create an after-action report and, if necessary, will update the PSPS process/procedures in this Plan based on lessons learned. 5. Outreach and Communication 5.1 KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication KEC will adhere to established internal processes for wildfire-related communication. KEC will share information about its Wildfire Mitigation Plan, including details on PSPS,with members, employees,the public, the media, and other stakeholders (including federal, state, tribal, and local agencies). KEC will,to the extent practical, communicate any anticipated or actual PSPS with any neighboring utility that may be impacted by the PSPS. KEC anticipates that neighboring utilities will similarly share information regarding any anticipated or actual de-energization that will impact KEC. To the extent that KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 17 DECEMBER 31,2025 KEC obtains information from another utility regarding any de-energization that will impact KEC, KEC will integrate such information in its operational planning." 5.2 Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local Agencies 5.2.1 Annual Coordination Meeting Prior to May 1 of each calendar year, KEC will schedule and host (or if a similar meeting is scheduled and hosted by another entity, participate in) a meeting ("Annual Coordination Meeting") with, as applicable, federal, state, tribal, and local officials and agencies to coordinate on wildfire preparedness and emergency response plans. To the extent that KEC schedules and hosts the Annual Coordination Meeting, KEC will invite applicable federal, state, tribal and local officials and agencies, including without limitation, the OEM, Kootenai County Fire Chiefs, Coeur d'Alene Tribe Police Chief, and the Idaho Department of Lands to the Annual Coordination Meeting. The Annual Coordination Meeting may be held in person or virtually or both. 5.2.2 Communication of Changes in Operating Condition Whenever the NFDRS rises to "High" or above (or a Red Flag Warning Day), KEC will notify OEM,the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Polce Chief, and Idaho Department of Lands of a potential of a change in operating condition. 5.2.3 Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS With regard to PSPS, KEC will notify OEM as follows: • At any time that KEC determines whether a PSPS is likely or imminent, KEC will notify OEM of the potential of a PSPS and the potential areas on KEC's electrical system that may be affected by a PSPS. • When there is a PSPS, KEC will notify OEM that a PSPS has occurred,the areas on KEC's electrical system that are impacted by the PSPS and, if available, an estimate of how long the PSPS will be in effect. • When the event requiring a PSPS has passed and KEC begins the restoration process, KEC will notify OEM that it has commenced restoration and, if available,will provide an estimate of how long it will take for KEC to restore its electrical system. • Upon completion of the restoration process after a PSPS, KEC will notify OEM that restoration is complete. Upon notification from KEC, OEM will notify other state and local agencies. 5.3 Member Communications KEC's wildfire-related communication goals are as follows: • Educate members about KEC's approach to wildfire prevention and mitigation. • Inform members about the current wildfire conditions and any actions that KEC may take to mitigate wildfire risk, including any operational conditions/limitations on KEC's system and any PSPS. • Prepare members for PSPS or other wildfire-related outages, including reminders to update their contact information, report outages, access updates on system conditions/outages, and access safety/preparedness tips. li The only other utility in the area that is likely to impact KEC's operations is Avista Corporation. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 18 DECEMBER 31,2025 Before the wildfire season begins, KEC will communicate broad messages about safety and preparedness to KEC's membership.As weather events or system changes occur, KEC will direct more targeted messages to members affected by the changes. Below are the communications channels used to share wildfire and outage related messages to KEC's members: • Powerl-ines monthly member newsletter, which is included in member billing statements (an e- version is also sent to all member email addresses). • KEC's website: www.kec.com.This is a source of information and education about wildfire, safety, and outages for members. It is updated regularly. • Social media: KEC regularly updates its Facebook and Instagram pages with timely information and updates about outages, safety and wildfire. • News releases are used as needed to provide information to local media outlets. • KEC sends an annual wildfire email to all members. KEC also sends targeted emails and/or text/SMS to members affected by outages.These methods will also be used to communicate with members that may be affected by a fire mitigation mode adjustment or a PSPS. Due to KEC's rate structure, members with needs or infrastructure that they deem to be critical are expected to provide their own redundancy and/or backup to provide power in the event of de- energization. Therefore, KEC currently does not identify any critical infrastructure and/or members. To the extent KEC identifies any critical infrastructure and/or members in the future, KEC shall maintain a list of such critical infrastructure and/or members and shall provide targeted communications to such critical infrastructure and/or members via email,text/SMS, or other appropriate communication method. 6. Cost Evaluation; Cost-Benefit Approach The Wildfire Standard of Care Act requires wildfire mitigation plans to identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. This includes financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, planned, and existing lines to mitigate fire risk.12 In Order No. 36774, the Commission ordered that electric corporations must(i) explain how an electric corporation's line design methods reduce the potential for wildfire ignition, including a cost evaluation, and (ii) include a cost benefit analysis in their proposed wildfire mitigation plans that justifies the expenditures for risk mitigation described in such wildfire mitigation plans.13 The costs incurred by KEC, including costs incurred pursuant to its construction work plan,vegetation management plan, and inspection plan, are incurred for multiple purposes. Those purposes include, among other things, extending service to members, enhancing reliability, replacing outdated infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation. It is not possible to determine the amount of each expenditure that is properly allocated to wildfire mitigation as opposed to some other purpose. Accordingly, in evaluating any project, KEC evaluates a//of the needs and benefits associated with the project to determine whether the costs of the project are justified. 12 Idaho Code§61-1803(3). 13 Order No.36774 at 20. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 19 DECEMBER 31,2025 It is also not possible to obtain a precise calculation of the potential costs of future wildfires.14 As noted by Idaho Power: publicly available analyses of recent wildfires illustrate the magnitude of potential avoided costs when prudent mitigation reduces the likelihood or consequences of catastrophic events. For example, in Idaho, the Moose Fire in 2022— which grew to approximately 130,000 acres— cost approximately$ 100 million to suppress, as did the Pioneer Fire in 2016.The Charlotte Fire in Pocatello ( 2012) destroyed 66 homes, burned approximately 1,038 acres, and estimates at the time gauged damages at$12 million,though officials noted that timely response helped protect approximately$472 million in property value. In eastern Washington in 2023,the Gray and Oregon fires together destroyed over 350 homes and caused multiple fatalities. Costs and damages associated with the 2020 Idaho wildfire season alone are estimated between$100 to $250 million. In more catastrophic events outside of Idaho, the costs are exponentially higher.The recovery costs of the Maui wildfires in 2023 are expected to exceed $ 2 billion, and in California, costs and damages associated with the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires are estimated between$28. 0 billion and $53. 8 billion." This data supports the conclusion that the costs of KEC's wildfire mitigation efforts set forth in this Plan are reasonable expenditures to avoid the potential costs associated with a wildfire. KEC is a member-owned non-profit corporation. KEC is not a public utility subject to rate regulation by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Rather, KEC is governed by its board of directors. KEC's board of directors has reviewed this Plan and its costs of implementation and has determined that the Plan (i) includes financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, planned, and existing lines to mitigate fire risk; (ii) is feasible; and (iii) reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. KEC Resolution#10-25 is attached hereto as Appendix D. 14 See Idaho Power Company's 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan,filed in Case No. IPC-E-25-32,at page 15 (stating: "Ultimately, Idaho Power found that obtaining a precise calculation of the potential costs of future wildfires is not possible."). 15 Id. (internal footnotes omitted). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 20 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix A Vegetation Management Plan Incorporation in Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) is incorporated in, and is part of, Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc's ("KEC")Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Purpose. The purpose of vegetation management performed by KEC is to identify and control or eliminate vegetation that threatens the integrity, reliability, or safety of the electrical facilities that are part of KEC's electrical system ("KEC Facilities"). This VMP provides the general standards and guidelines for KEC's performance of vegetation management. VMP Implementation Schedule. Vegetation management includes pruning and removing tree and brush species in the areas around KEC Facilities,the proper disposal of debris created by those activities, and other steps necessary to identify and control or eliminate vegetation that threatens the integrity, reliability, or safety of KEC Facilities. Each calendar year, KEC shall develop a VMP Implementation Plan for the next calendar year. Each VMP Implementation Plan shall (i) identify the KEC Facilities (or portions of the KEC electrical system)where vegetation management is scheduled to be performed in the applicable calendar year; (ii)the resources that will be required to perform the scheduled vegetation management(including the anticipated KEC personnel,total number of personnel hours, KEC contractors, and equipment necessary to perform the scheduled vegetation management activities); and (iii)the steps to be taken to document and report the work that is performed pursuant to the VMP Implementation Plan Each VMP Implementation Plan will also include projected VMP Implementation Plan for the calendar year immediately following the first calendar year. For example,the VMP Implementation Plan that is developed in 2025, will include the VMP Implementation Plan for 2026 and a projected VMP Implementation Plan for 2027. Right-of-Way Clearing and Trimming. KEC's standard practice is to maintain a 30-foot area around its overhead and above-ground electric facilities operating at distribution voltages. KEC's standard practice is to clear everything within ts' is, fifteen (15)feet of the centerline of its overhead and above- ground electric facilities operating at distribution voltages as illustrated in the graphic below. KEC will perform vegetation management in accordance with its standard practice of clearing everything within fifteen (15)feet of the centerline of the KEC Facilities, except as otherwise required by , applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances ("Applicable Laws"). In addition to clearing everything within 15 feet of the centerline of the KEC Facilities, KEC will also remove any hazard trees as discussed herein. Figure 1 ROW Clearances In those circumstances where clearing in accordance with the standard practice stated above is either not permitted or is impractical, pruning will be performed in a manner that is consistent with best management practices as published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)guidelines, including ANSI A300, applicable OSHA KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 21 DECEMBER 31,2025 requirements, and all Applicable Laws. Such pruning will be performed to remove dead/dying branches and other parts overhanging, encroaching, or otherwise threatening any KEC Facilities. Vegetation Management Practices • Residential:Vegetation that is cleared or pruned will be masticated. Debris will not obstruct roads, ditches, or drains.To the extent practical, KEC will discuss any pruning or clearing of ornamental plantings with landowners before work begins.Topping is not an accepted practice. • Rural and Undeveloped Areas:Vegetation that is cleared or pruned will be masticated, and scattered. Live and dead trees will be felled and arranged parallel to power lines without blocking roads, streams, or ditches. System-Wide Assessment Using Al &Satellite Imaging. KEC will assess its electrical system every two (2)years using an AI-powered vegetation intelligence system,which provides wildfire risk analysis, hazard tree identification, tree segmentation, height and health analysis, 3D vegetation risk scoring, and recommended work prioritization. The Encroachment Risk Rating system classifies vegetation risks as: 1. High (0-3 feet from conductor) 2. Medium (3-6 feet) 3. Low(6-10 feet) 4. Minor 5. Clear Vegetation Management Schedule and Prioritization. KEC performs vegetation management on a seven (7)year cycle in accordance with its VMP Implementation Plan. Vegetation management to be performed in each year of the cycle shall be included in the VMP Implementation Plan for such year and will be organized by feeder and prioritized based on historical outage frequency and duration. Vegetation management that is required to be performed in a calendar year that is not included in the VMP Implementation Plan for that year (including, service order work) is prioritized based on an assessment of the Encroachment Risk Rating as follows: • Priority 1 (High Encroachment Risk):Addressed within the year identified. • Priority 2 (Medium Encroachment Risk):Addressed after Priority 1 within two (2)years after identified. • Priority 3& 4 (Low and Very Low Encroachment Risk):Addressed in the normal course within the seven (7)year cycle. Hazard Tree Mitigation. Hazard trees are trees that are identified as dead,dying, or structurally damaged that pose a risk to KEC Facilities. Hazard trees outside a right-of-way that present a fall risk are continuously evaluated and prioritized for removal. Priority is assigned based on U.S. Forest Service wildfire zone data. KEC's field planners will assess the Encroachment Risk Rating of each hazard tree that is identified and will assign work accordingly. KEC will, in accordance with KEC's Vegetation Management Policy, remove any hazard tree that is outside the right-of-way(or outside of the 30-foot KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 22 DECEMBER 31,2025 area cleared of vegetation in accordance with KEC's standard practice) if such hazard tree reasonably threatens KEC's facilities. Member-Reported Service Orders&Emergency Response. Member-reported concerns will be assessed by a KEC representative. If the request involves vegetation that is encroaching on any KEC Facilities, work will be performed per specifications and this Vegetation Management Plan. Underground Structures. KEC's crews must be able to inspect utility equipment at all times. Any obstruction that impedes access to KEC facilities will be removed to allow immediate access. Cleanup. Logs that are left after performing vegetation management will be cut into tree lengths, unless the member/landowner requests that such logs be cut into firewood lengths. Stumps will be cut as close to ground level as practical.Stump removal is not performed by KEC.All wood is left for property owners. Brush and limbs from live trees will be chipped or lopped and scattered,while those from dead trees will be left for the property owner. Secondary Line Trimming. Members are responsible for vegetation management for secondary service lines. KEC does not generally perform vegetation management for secondary service lines, but KEC may, in its sole discretion, perform such vegetation management. KEC will provide line drops free of charge for members to trim trees affecting secondary service lines. Member Communication. Members will be notified before circuit trimming begins. KEC will make reasonable efforts to notify other(non-member) landowners. In the event that any landowner(member or non-member) denies KEC access to perform vegetation management in accordance with this Vegetation Management Plan, KEC will provide such landowner notice in accordance with the Wildfire Standard of Care Act of its intent to access and perform vegetation management. Compensation for Live Marketable Timber on Timber Company Land. Pursuant to the Act, "(ilf live marketable timber is identified for removal from timber company land adiacent to the right-of-way, compensation at fair market value shall be made to the landowner for such timber." I.C.§61-1803(3)(00). With regard to KEC's determination of such fair market value, KEC incorporates its response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No.4, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 to this VMIP. Order No. 37081 at 13 (item viii). Conclusion.This document serves as KEC's official Vegetation Management Plan. This Vegetation Management Plan is supported by KEC's Vegetation Management Policy,Vegetation Management Procedure,which reference and guide vegetation management activities. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 23 DECEMBER 31,2025 Exhibit 1 Vegetation Management Plan KEU S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 4 Exhibit 1 to Vegetation Management Plan KEC'S Response to Staffs First Production Request. Request No. 4 IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 4 Person Preparing Response: Julie Turbin, VP of Operations& Operational Services Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208) 292-3280 Request No. 4: Please describe the Company's process for compensating timber land owners for the marketable timber. In your response, indicate whether compensation is also provided to private owners, Idaho state agencies,tribal entities, or other entities, and explain any differences in treatment. KEC Response: The Wildfire Standard of Care Act("Act")requires compensation for marketable timber identified for removal from timber company land adjacent to rights-of-way. I.C. § 61-1803(3)(g)(iii). The Act does not require a process for compensating landowners and does not address compensation to any other landowners and, therefore, to the extent that this request seeks information regarding a process for compensation and/or compensation to other landowners, the requested information is beyond the scope of this proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, KEC provides the following information in response to Staff s request: To KEC's knowledge, KEC does not have any facilities on timber company land that will require removal of marketable timber and does not contemplate the need to remove any live marketable timber from timber company land adjacent to any rights-of-way. In the unlikely event that KEC does need to remove marketable timber from timber company land adjacent to its rights-of-way in the future, KEC will, if appropriate,work collaboratively with the landowner to determine fair compensation. KEC does not provide compensation for marketable timber removed from its rights-of-way (ROW). When timber removal is necessary, KEC makes reasonable efforts to cut the trees into log lengths and leave them on site for the landowner's use or disposal. See KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan at Appendix A(stating: "Logs that are left after performing vegetation management will be cut into tree lengths, unless the member/landowner requests that such logs be cut into firewood lengths."). This practice is applied consistently regardless of whether the landowner is a private individual, a state agency, a tribal entity, or another type of landowner. Appendix A-1 2026-2028 Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Vegetation Management Implementation Plan 2026-2028 Overview This Vegetation Management Implementation Plan (VMIP) outlines how Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. (KEC) will operationalize its Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) over a three-year period. This plan reflects KEC's commitment to safety, reliability, mitigation, regulatory compliance, and stewardship of its rights-of-way through best practices. Staffing Structure • Planners: 3 o Planners will inspect circuits prior to crew mobilization. Using Overstory satellite data, planners will assess hazard trees, identify high-risk wildfire zones, and engage with members and landowners to communicate the scope of work. • Crews: 9 total 0 1 Crew for system-wide Hazard Tree mitigation 0 1 Crew for member-requested vegetation work(tree tickets) 0 7 Crews dedicated to circuit-based vegetation management Vegetation Management Strategy For each circuit: 1. Planners will evaluate Overstory data to prioritize hazard tree removal. 2. Work will begin in high wildfire risk areas with encroachment. 3. One crew will begin at the substation and proceed downline; the second crew will begin at the identified priority locations.Then start circuit trimming at designated location. Crew Assignments by Year • Crew 1: Hazard trees(system-wide, ongoing) • Crew 2: Member tree tickets (ongoing) • Crew 3: o Julia Street:Jan 2026—Dec 2026 o Scarcello: 2027—2028+ • Crew 4: o Pleasant View:Jan 2026—Dec 2027 o Scarcello: 2028+ • Crew 5: o Pleasant View:Jan 2026—Dec 2027 o Scarcello:Jan 2027—Dec 2028 • Crew 6: o Athol:Jan 2026—Oct 2026 o Beck Road: Nov 2026—Oct 2027 o Hayden: Nov 2027—Dec 2028 • Crew 7: o Athol:Jan 2026—Oct 2026 o Beck Road: Nov 2026—Nov 2027 o Hayden: Dec 2027—Dec 2028 KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 24 DECEMBER 31,2025 • Crew 8: o Plummer:Jan 2026—Jul 2026 o Setters: Aug 2026—Dec 2027 o Rathdrum: 2028+ • Crew 9: o Plummer:Jan 2026—Jul 2026 o Setters: Aug 2026—Dec 2027 o Ogara: 2028+ Documentation & Reporting KEC will use Inspection software to document all vegetation management activities in the field.This includes: • Tree work progress (pruning, removals, hazard tree mitigation) • Location-specific data, including GPS coordinates and condition assessments • Real-time status updates and digital checklists for crew accountability Work completed will be audited using drone-based LiDAR data, which will be analyzed to ensure compliance with KEC specifications, clearance standards, and right-of-way maintenance requirements. These audits will support continuous quality assurance and help validate contractor performance and cycle effectiveness. Resource Planning KEC will estimate the number of personnel and labor hours required to complete each year's scheduled work and will staff crews accordingly. These estimates will be informed by historical workload and circuit characteristics. Every two years, following receipt of updated Overstory Al and satellite vegetation data, resource requirements will be re-evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure alignment with vegetation growth patterns, encroachment risk trends and hazard tree counts. Projected expenditures for right-of-way(ROW) clearing are as follows: • 2026:$5,686,609 • 2027:$5,857,207 • 2028: $6,032,923 Review Cycle This Implementation Plan will be reviewed and updated annually in conjunction with the VMP and will include projections for the subsequent three calendar years. Adjustments will be based on Overstory assessments, work audits, member requests, and unplanned events such as storm response or wildfire emergencies. This document supports and aligns with KEC's Vegetation Management Plan and associated policies and procedures. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 25 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix B 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan This Construction Work Implementation Plan ("CWIP") includes the estimated annual budgets for construction projects for calendar years 2026-2028.The projects included in this CWIP will mitigate wildfire risk. These system improvement projects are also planned for reasons other than wildfire mitigation including to support KEC's forecasted growth, to enhance the reliability of KEC's electrical system, to improve grid resiliency, and to replace end-of-life equipment. Project Type Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate New Consumers - Underground $4,208,013 $4,397,374 $4,595,256 $13,200,643 New Consumers -Overhead $87,372 $91,304 $95,413 $274,089 New Tie Lines $0 $1,275,048 $2,643,929 $3,918,977 Conversion& Line Upgrades $20,240,767 $7,483,515 $5,178,511 $32,902,793 New Substations $176,655 $6,879,758 $4,564,665 $11,621,078 Substation Upgrades, Inside Sub Fence $3,747,242 $2,500,370 $3,594,673 $9,842,285 Meters $1,153,149 $1,205,041 $1,259,268 $3,617,458 Sectionalizing $2,217,142 $1,904,128 $1,929,332 $6,050,602 Voltage Regulators and Controls $3,239,500 $3,385,278 $798,816 $7,423,594 Capacitor Banks and Controls $104,500 $109,203 $114,117 $327,820 Pole Replacements $836,000 $873,620 $912,933 $2,622,553 Miscellaneous Replacements $2,296,910 $1,493,890 $1,561,115 $5,351,915 Road Moves $522,500 $546,013 $570,583 $1,639,096 Transmission Lines $9,642,905 $4,745,190 $0 $14,388,095 Security Lights $156,750 $163,804 $171,175 $491,729 Transmission Pole Replacements $52,250 $54,601 $57,058 $163,909 Minor Projects $3,448,500 $3,603,6831 $3,765,8481 $10,818,031 Pursuant to Commission Order No. 37081,the following responses to Commission Staff's requests for production are attached hereto and incorporated herein: • KEC's response to Commission Staff's First Product Request, Request No. 1, including the detailed list of known projects used by KEC to refine its 2026-2028 budget estimates and information is attached to this Appendix B as Exhibit 1. Order No. 37081 at 12 (items i, iii, and vii . • KEC's response to Commission Staff's First Production Request, Request No. 11, regarding metrics used by KEC for measuring efficacy of its grid hardening is attached to this Appendix B as Exhibit 2. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item iv). • KEC's responses to Commission Staff's Second Production Request, Request Nos. 15 and 16, regarding grants awarded to KEC are attached to this Appendix B as Exhibit 3. Order No. 37081 at 12 (item ii). KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 26 DECEMBER 31,2025 Exhibit 1 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC's Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 1 (including Exhibit A) Exhibit 1 to 2026-2028 Constriction Work Implementation Plan KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request. Request No. 1 (including Exhibit A) IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 1 Person Preparing Response: Scott Davis,VP Engineering Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G.Andrea, General Counsel, (208)292-3280 Request No. 1: Idaho Code § 61-1803(3), § 61-1803(3)(b), and § 61-1803(3)(e)address preventative actions and programs, as well as methods of line design. The Commission's WMP Guidelines for Idaho Code § 61-1803 (3)(e), Method of Line Design, states: "Financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new,planned, and existing lines to mitigate fire risk." The Guidelines further state: "The electric corporation must describe how its methods of line design for new lines and planned upgrades reduce wildfire ignition potential in heightened wildfire risk areas. This must include evaluation of costs to wildfire risk reductions.Additionally,this must include how the electric corporation clearly identifies, selects, and evaluates projects that reflect a balance of mitigation costs with resulting reduction in wildfire risk." Appendix B of the Company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan("WMP")provides project types and budgets for 2026-2028.Further, Sections 3.1 and 3.2 describes the potential Grid Modernization and Methods of Line Design initiatives. For each project type in Appendix B,please identify specific known projects used to develop the 2026-2028 budget estimates and provide the following information for each project: a.Project type; b. Project name; c. Brief description of the project; d. Estimated cost of the project(could be a range); e. Targets of the project(e.g.,miles, number of assets installed/replaced); f. Explanations of the benefits of this project; g.Alternatives considered and explain why this was chosen as the best alternative; h. Cost/benefit considerations; and i. Estimated completion date. KEC Response: The Wildfire Standards of Care Act("Act") requires wildfire mitigation plans to identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflect a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk and requires the Commission to consider the feasibility of the plan and the cost of its implementation. See I.C. § 61-1803(3), 61-1804(l). The Act does not provide the Commission with authority to regulate cooperatives', like KEC's,projects and/or costs and provides no authority over costs to the extent that such projects,project benefits and/or project costs are not related to wildfire mitigation. Therefore,to the extent that this request seeks information regarding projects,project benefits, and/or project costs not related to wildfire mitigation,the requested information is not relevant and is beyond the scope of this proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing,KEC provides the following response. The Construction Work Implementation Plan as presented in Appendix B of the WMP is a snapshot of the financial work plan at the time of the WMP filing with IPUC. The detailed list of known projects used to refine the 2026-2028 budget estimates and information as requested in this response item are tabulated in Item 1 - Exhibit A. With regard to subparts f and h of this request, KEC notes that KEC considers the benefits of all projects, including,but not limited to, benefits associated with reliability, extending service to members,replacing outdated infrastructure, and wildfire mitigation. Projects are rarely, if ever, solely performed for any single reason, including wildfire mitigation. Rather, KEC considers all attributes of any project. Furthermore, it is not clear what is needed for subpart h of this request and how that is differentiated from the response that is provided in subpart f. It is impossible to quantify the amount of any given project that should be attributed to wildfire mitigation as opposed to any other benefit(s) of the project. More fundamentally, it is impossible to predict or quantify the costs of a future wildfire.' However, even assuming that 100 percent of KEC's projects and costs and benefits were solely attributable to wildfire mitigation(which they are not), given the extremely high cost of wildfires as evidenced by recent wildfires, the benefits of those projects would almost certainly always outweigh the costs.2 Note that the sum of cost values for the known projects in Item 1 -Exhibit A has been further refined since the tabulation was provided in Appendix B of the WMP. 'See Idaho Power Company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan filed in IPC-E-25-32 at page 15 (stating: "Ultimately,Idaho Power found that obtaining a precise calculation of the potential costs of future wildfires is not possible."). 2 See id. (noting costs of recent wildfires). 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X• i¢£ � sf9 t@ESP �:PSa� 2a �a F} ,x Jt3 5gd !Y zsss apPf x- :j so`0 P$ S3¢ gg82a€1 yeasts x �o Ens"€sa xg 3 s; 7a0 ? s3nI J i c c < a a e e € 11h I i, t on. ®� 7 J- I i I � 1 I � i I I I C , _@ x —E5e - € e x"aexx" li i I " it I _ slim � y Exhibit 2 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEU S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 11 Exhibit 2 to 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 11 IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 11 Person Preparing Response: Scott Davis, VP Engineering Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208)292-3280 Request No. 11: Please list and describe the Company's metrics for measuring the efficacy of its grid hardening. In addition,please explain if the Company currently or plans to measure the effect of its grid hardening efforts relative to System Average Interruption Duration Index, System Average Interruption Frequency Index, Customer Average Interruption Duration Index, and/or Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index. KEC Response: KEC follows the IEEE 1366 standard for tracking SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, and CEMI reliability metrics for all outages. These metrics are tabulated and graphed on a quarterly basis for a rolling 12-month dataset that includes major event days and then for another rolling 12-month dataset that does not. The tabulation and graphical information also illustrate the system reliability performance by sub and by feeder level which allows measurements to be made on reliability improvement for grid hardening projects complete on each substation and feeder level. KEC currently targets substation feeders with the worst reliability metrics for grid hardening projects. KEC measures effect of its grid hardening efforts relative to System Average Interruption Duration Index, System Average Interruption Frequency Index, Customer Average Interruption Duration Index, and/or Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index on a quarterly basis,using a rolling 12-month dataset. Exhibit 3 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEU S Response to Staff s Second Production Request, Request Nos. 15 and 16 Exhibit 3 to 2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan KEC'S Response to Staffs Second Production Request, Request Nos. 15 and 16 IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 Second Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 15 Person Preparing Response: Reed Christensen, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208)292-3280 Request No. 1: In the Response to Staff s First Production Request at No. 1, Project Name"603- 2026-09"on Line 53 in"Item 1 —Exhibit A" is described as "WRIP Grant VIPER Recloser Installations, 8 locations."Please answer the following: a. Please provide the awarded grant documents(i.e.,Notice of Award, approved proposal, etc.); b. Please provide the number of VIPER reclosers planned to be installed in 2026, 2027, 2028; c. Please provide the locations that the Company is focusing on using the grant; d. Please provide the metrics that will be used to evaluate the VIPER reclosers; e. Please explain if the Company has to financially match the grant; and f. Please provide the timeline of the grant. KEC Response: The purpose of the cited WRIP Grant, as set forth in the WRIP Subaward Agreement(attached to KEC's response to subpart a below), "is to increase grid resilience,reduce wildfire risk, enhance fault detection and isolation, and improve reliability."To the extent that this request seeks information regarding KEC's costs and projects for purposes other than the purposes set forth in the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, I.C. §§ 61-1803(3), 61-1804,this request seeks information that is not relevant to the Commission's review or approval of KEC's 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, KEC provides the following response: a. Please provide the awarded grant documents (i.e.,Notice of Award, approved proposal, etc.); The following awarded grant documents are attached: "WRIP Conditional Award Letter" "WRIP Subaward Agreement KEC" b. Please provide the number of VIPER reclosers planned to be installed in 2026,2027, 2028; Eight VIPER reclosers are planned to be physically installed in 2026 with further telecommunications and commissioning work performed in early 2027.No work is expected in 2028. c. Please provide the locations that the Company is focusing on using the grant; At this time, the precise locations have not yet been decided. However, as mentioned in the grant application, these advanced reclosers will be strategically placed in high-risk areas most susceptible to wildfire to improve the reliability and safety of our electric distribution system. d. Please provide the metrics that will be used to evaluate the VIPER reclosers; KEC does not understand this request. Once installed, the VIPER reclosers will be incorporated into KEC's electrical system and monitored and inspected as part of that system. e. Please explain if the Company has to financially match the grant; and As set forth in the WRIP Subaward Agreement attached in response to subpart a of this request, the company is required to match the grant funding up to $117,008 of the total project cost of$468,031. f. Please provide the timeline of the grant. Eight VIPER reclosers are planned to be physically installed in 2026 with further telecommunications and commissioning work performed in early 2027.No work is expected in 2028. Once work is fully completed, funding will be provided to KEC to reimburse KEC for the construction work. IPUC Case No. CO7-E-25-01 Second Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 16 Person Preparing Response: Reed Christensen, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208)292-3280 Request No. 16: Please explain if the Company has been awarded any other grants for wildfire mitigation projects in 2026-2028. If so,please answer the following: a. Please provide the name of the grant; b. Please provide the status of the grant; c. Please provide the grant amount and any Company match; d. Please provide the timeframe of the grant; and e. Please describe what the grant will be used for. KEC Response: To the extent that this request seeks information for purposes other than those purposes set forth in the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, I.C. §§ 61-1803(3), 61-1804, this request seeks information that is not relevant to the Commission's review or approval of KEC's 2026-2028 Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, KEC provides the following response: a. Please provide the name of the grant; Idaho Energy Resilience Grant Program(ERGP) b. Please provide the status of the grant; The grant agreement between KEC and the State of Idaho's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources was executed on May 4,2026. c. Please provide the grant amount and any Company match; The total cost of the project is estimated to be $745,340. KEC is to match $141,010 of the total project costs. d. Please provide the timeframe of the grant; and The project related expenditures will commence in July 2026 and continue through July 2027. e.Please describe what the grant will be used for. The project will entail two main endeavors. The first activity entails a satellite scan of the vegetation on our distribution system to identify and prioritize vegetation risks and identify dead or dying trees outside of the right-of-way that are considered hazardous. Using the information produced from the satellite scan, KEC would then deploy an additional vegetation crew to conduct hazardous-tree removal for those trees identified outside of the right-of-way. Appendix C 2026-2028 System Inspection Implementation Plan This System Inspection Implementation Plan includes the estimated power line feeders, lengths, and budgets for inspection in calendar years 2026-2028. The inspections of the feeders included in this System Inspection Implementation Plan are targeted to mitigate wildfire risk and improve system reliability. Substation Feeder Year Length(mites) Budgeted Cost Dower East 2026 60.6 Setters North 2026 113.8 Setters South 2026 116.8 2026 Total 291.2 $219,981 Rathdrum 2027 53 15th Street 2027 57.7 2027 Total 110.7 $233,180 Rathdrum 2028 54.6 Pleasantview 2028 82.3 2028 Total 136.9 $247,170 Grand Total 538.8 $700,331 KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 27 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix D Resolution # 10-25 Kootenai Electric COOPERATIVE KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE,INC. Resolution#10-25 Review and Acceptance of Wildfire Mitigation Plan WHEREAS,in the 2025 legislative session,the Idaho Legislature enacted the Wildfire Standard of Care Act. 2025 Idaho Sess.Laws Ch.249(S.B.1183),codified at Idaho Code§§61-1801,et seq.("Act");and WHEREAS,the Act provides that electric corporations that are not public utilities,including the Cooperative, may adopt and file a wildfire mitigation plan("Plan")with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission("Commission");and WHEREAS,the Act requires Plans submitted to the Commission to identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk;and WHEREAS,in reviewing and approving a Plan,the Act requires the Commission to(i)ensure that the Plan meets the minimum requirements stated in the Plan,including that the Plan includes financially prudent and reasonably practical methods of line design for new,planned,and existing lines to mitigate fire risk;and(ii)consider certain factors, including the feasibility of the Plan and the cost of its implementation;and WHEREAS,determinations regarding(i)financial prudency and practicability of the Cooperative's methods of line design for new,planned,and existing lines;(ii)whether the Cooperative's Plan reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk;and(iii)matters regarding the feasibility of the Plan and the cost of its implementation are within the purview of the Cooperative's board of directors;and WHEREAS,management has reviewed the Cooperative's Plan and has presented it to the Cooperative's board of directors for review;and WHEREAS,the board of directors has reviewed the Cooperative's Plan and its costs of implementation and has determined that the Plan(i)includes financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, planned,and existing lines to mitigate fire risk;(ii)is feasible;and(iii)reflects a reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 28 DECEMBER 31,2025 Resolution#10-25 Signature Page NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the board hereby accepts the Cooperative's 2026-2028 Plan as presented by management and authorizes management to make such revisions to such Plan as management deems necessary or advisable to file the Plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for approval pursuant to the Act;provided that any substantial changes to the costs associated with the Plan shall be submitted to the board for its review and approval. Approved this 201 day of November,2025 410 5 William R.R.Swick,Chair I,Roger Tinkey,Secretary of the Board of Directors of Kootenai Electric Cooperative,Inc.,do hereby certify that the above Resolution#10-25 was presented to and approved by the Board of Directors this 2011 day of November 2025 and that none of the above Resolution has been altered or rescinded. 1 11 1�—Z�— �k—", Roger Tinke ,Sec ry KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 29 DECEMBER 31,2025 Appendix E Wildfire Standard of Care Act and Order No. 36774 WMP Guideline Compliance Matrix The WMP Guidelines adopted by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission in Order No. 36774 indicate that WMPs should include a section that describes how the electric corporation addresses each of the Commission's orders and Staff's recommendations. This Wildfire Standard of Care Act and Order No. 36774 WMP Guideline Compliance Matrix describes the section(s) of KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan ("Plan")that address each such requirement. Wildfire Standard of Care Act Requirements and Order No.36774/WMP Guideline Requirements KEC Wildfire Mitigation Plan Compliance Each wildfire mitigation plan("WMP")shall be developed using approaches and methods that are All sections of KEC's Plan. designed to protect the public interest and are reflective of and commensurate with the size and KEC's Plan was developed using approaches and methods that are designed to complexity of the electric corporation's operations and the nature of the fire risk. I.C.§61- protect the public interest and are reflective of and commensurate with the size 1803(3). and complexity of KEC's operations and the nature of the fire risk. Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach Appendix D—KEC Resolution#10-25 Each WMP shall identify a means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflect a reasonable balancing of All sections of KEC's Plan identify means for mitigating wildfire risk that reflect a mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. I.C. §61-1803(3). reasonable balancing of mitigation costs with the resulting reduction of wildfire risk. Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach Appendix D—KEC Resolution#10-25 Each WIMP is to identify geographical areas where an electric corporation has infrastructure or Section 2.1—Identification of Geographical Areas that May be Subject to equipment that the electric corporation considers may be subject to a heightened risk of wildfire Heightened Risk of Wildfire. at the time the WMP is finalized by the electric corporation. I.C. §61-1803(a). Figure 3—Heightened Risk Areas • The electric corporation must include a description of the wildfire risk assessment or model used to guide wildfire mitigation activities.The assessment should identify geographic areas with elevated fire risk,considering factors such as vegetation,weather,topography,historical fire occurrence,structure density,and asset location. • The electric corporation should provide a map of the identified risk areas within its service territory within this section of its WMP.The identified risk areas should be defined with different level of fire risks to the utility.There must be an explanation of what determines each level of risk and risk assessments of each service territory should be updated annually in the WMP. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 2. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 29 DECEMBER 31,2025 Each WMP is to include preventive actions and programs that the electric corporation will carry out to reduce the risk of wildfire. I.C. §61-1803(3)(b). • The electric corporation must describe all preventative actions and programs that it will carry out to reduce the risk of wildfire,in addition to actions and programs specified in statute and by this Commission. • WMP's preventative actions and programs must include,but is not limited to: Situational Awareness efforts Section 4—Fire Season Operational Guide o Which may include use of technology to aid in weather monitoring,fire season outlook, Section 4.1—Daily Situational Awareness daily,weekly,and monthly weather and fire modeling risk,etc. Consistent with 61-1803(3)(f) Figure 4—Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example(for Illustrative Purposes and Staff's proposed requirements within. Only) Figure 5—Daily Situational Awareness Table Asset Inspections_._._._._ ........................._._. _._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._..............._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.__. -Section 3.4—Development ment of Standards Procedures and Schedules for........................................... p P o Which must include the frequency and standards of inspections for each type of electric Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure,and Facilities Within Heightened Fire infrastructure within areas of elevated wildfire risk. Risk Areas Consistent with 61-1803(3)(g)(i)and Staff's proposed requirements within. Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan Appendix A-1—Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Appen..............................................ix C—System Inspection_& Maintenance Plan Enhanced vegetation management practices in risk zone _._._..............................................._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.__. Section 3.3Vegetation etation Management g � p s s s g g o Which may include shorter vegetation management cycles than routine cycles, risk tree Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan programs,etc. Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Consistent with 61-1803(3)(g)(iii)and Staffs proposed requirements within. .................._._._._......................................................................................................................................................................................................._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._. ._ erational Action Index with Fire Danger Linka--e---------- -----Section 4.3-0 P g g Operation practices during heightened wildfire risk days or zones Figure 7—Fire Danger/Operational Index o Which may include restrictions to workforce practices, potential use of proactive de- Figure 8—Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational Table energization Section 4.3.1—Risk Monitoring and Forecasting Consistent with 61-1803(3)(g)(ii)and Staff's proposed requirements within. Section 4.3.2—Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making Section 4.3.3—Notification and Coordination(Pre-Activation Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) Section 4.4—Final Decision and Activation(24-0 Hours Out) Figure 9—National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, Eastern Washington and North Idaho 4.3.5—Monitoring During a PSPS 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 30 DECEMBER 31,2025 -_---Communit education ----------------------- ------------------------------------------- -------------_---- - --- y Section 5 Outreach and Communication o Which may include public service announcements to create awareness and provide Section 5.1—KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication education of wildfire risks,providing preventative measures,etc. Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local Agencies Consistent with 61-1803(3)(c)and 61-1803(3)(d) Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in Operating Condition Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS Section 5.3—Member Communications And an additional. ._._._._._._.__._._._._._.___._._.-._... .-- --- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------...I— ___ _____________________________________________------------------------------ v requirements ordered by the Commission Section 3.1—Grid Modernization Section 3.2—Methods of Line Design for New, Planned,and Existing Lines to WMPs may include: Mitigate Fire Risk System hardening strategies:Which may include pole replacements,line rebuilding,or Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan undergrounding if necessary,strategic fuse or reclosers installations,etc. Figure 5—Daily Situational Awareness Table Workforce Preparedness:Which may include workforce training,equipment provided to employees to reduce the risk of wildfire,etc. N/A Pilot Programs:If applicable. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 2-4. Each WMP is to include community outreach and public awareness efforts that the electric corporation will use before,during, Section 5—Outreach and Communication and after wildfire season to identify and inform the public of relevant wildfire risks and notify the public of wildfire-related Section 5.1—KEC Internal Processes to Guid outages. I.C. §61-1803(c). Wildfire-Related Communication Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State, This section should include discussion of how each utility maintains community outreach and public awareness before, Tribal,and Local Agencies during,and after wildfire season to support customer awareness and education of wildfire risks and notify the public of Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting wildfire-related outages.This discussion should include,but is not limited,to the following: Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in • Description of customer communication efforts related to wildfire mitigation,including efforts to increase awareness Operating Condition and education of the utility's plan,explanation of key mitigation activities,and efforts supporting public readiness. Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM • If the utility utilizes de-energization,a description of public education efforts and communication protocols for before, Regarding PSPS during,and after a de-energization event.The communication protocols should clearly identify which customers could Section 5.3—Member Communications and will be impacted if a de-energization event is pursued and identify any advanced notifications for critical infrastructure or customers,which may include but not limited to,hospitals and other medical facilities,schools,police, fire,emergency operation centers,any jails/prisons,other utilities,and vulnerable customers. • Explanation of the communication methods the electric corporation intends to use,such as mail,flyers,emails,calls, texts,a notification system,its website,etc. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 4. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 31 DECEMBER 31,2025 Each WMP is to include outreach efforts to coordinate with federal,state,tribal,and local officials and Section 5.2—Coo rdination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local agencies on wildfire preparedness and emergency response plans. I.C.61-1803(3)(d). Agencies Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting The electric corporation must describe how it engages with and coordinates with federal,state,tribal,and Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in Operating Condition local officials and agencies on wildfire preparedness and emergency response in the plan year.This Section 5.2.3—Communications with OEM Regarding PSPS discussion may include,but is not limited to: • If applicable,Public Safety Power Shutoff("PSPS")tabletop exercises with interested parties and agencies • Communication with the agencies and the ESF-12 coordinator within the PUC. • If applicable,mitigation efforts with the agencies. The WMP must detail all relationships(such as BLM and Forest Service)it has established that may benefit the wildfire mitigation program,contribute to program costs,or provide cost sharing opportunities in its WMP. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 4-5. Each WMP is to include financially prudent and reasonably practicable methods of line design for new, Section 3.1—Grid Modernization planned,and existing lines to mitigate fire risk. I.C.§61-1803(e). Section 3.2—Methods of Line Design for New, Planned,and Existing Lines to Mitigate Fire Risk The electric corporation must describe how its methods of line design for new lines and planned upgrades Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan reduce wildfire ignition potential in heightened wildfire risk areas.This must include evaluation of costs to Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach wildfire risk reductions.Additionally,this must include how the electric corporation clearly identifies, Appendix D—KEC Resolution#10-25 selects,and evaluates projects that reflect a balance of mitigation costs with resulting reduction in wildfire risk for the following,but is not limited to: • Line rebuilding within the WMP. • Undergrounding lines within the WMP. • Installation of covered conductor. • Installation of non-wooden cross arms. • If any,describe any flexible infrastructure such as automatic reclosers and remote-controlled devices that support remote operations Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at S. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 32 DECEMBER 31,2025 Each WMP is to include monitoring of forecasted and current weather data for the purpose of assessing and Section 4—Fire Season Operational Guide responding to current and anticipated fire risk. I.C. §61-1803(f). Section 4.1—Daily Situational Awareness Figure 4—Tempest System Daily Fire Risk Example(for Illustrative This section should include a description of how the electric corporation monitors forecasted and current Purposes Only) weather conditions for the purpose of assessing and responding to current and anticipated wildfire risk. Figure 5—Daily Situational Awareness Table This description must include,but is not limited to,the following: Section 4.3—Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage • Identification of systems,tools,or external resources used to monitor weather,fire potential,or other Figure 7—Fire Danger/Operational Index situational awareness indicators. Figure 8—Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational • If applicable,a description of how the utility utilizes weather forecasting,fire potential modeling,or Table similar tools,to inform mitigation activities and operational decisions. Section 4.3.1—Risk Monitoring and Forecasting • Discussion of how situational awareness capabilities are integrated into daily or seasonal wildfire Section 4.3.2—Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making operations. Figure 9—National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, • Discussion of how the electric utility becomes aware of another electric corporation's de-energization Eastern Washington and North Idaho (e.g.,Bonneville Power Administration)and how that is integrated into operations. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 5-6. Each WMP is to include standards, procedures,and schedules,subject to timely approval of access to rights- of-way,if necessary for the following actions: (i) Inspection of the electric corporation's assets, infrastructure,and facilities within the areas that Section 3.4—Development of Standards Procedures,and are identified as heightened fire risk areas in the wildfire mitigation plan,where financially Schedules for Inspection of KEC's Assets, Infrastructure,and prudent and reasonably practicable. Facilities Within Heightened Fire Risk Areas Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan This section should provide a summary of electric corporation's programs for the inspection of electric Appendix A-1—Vegetation Management Implementation Plan infrastructure,assets,and facilities within areas identified as heightened wildfire risk areas to identify and Appendix C—System Inspection&Maintenance Plan correct conditions that could contribute to wildfire ignition.This summary must include,but is not limited to,the following: • Description of inspection standards for each type of infrastructure,assets,and facilities. • Description of schedules for inspections for each type of infrastructure,asset,and facility. • Description of baseline routine inspection methods and enhanced inspection methods for higher fire risk areas,which may include the use of advanced or pilot technologies. • Explanation of how identified defects are classified,prioritized,and corrected. • Measurable targets/goals to be achieved within the WMP. E.g.,miles of lines inspected,corrected identified defects,etc. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 6. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 33 DECEMBER 31,2025 ................I.......--.... -De-en ergs... --- --- --------- . ------ ------- ---- --------..................................................... -------------------- ---.............................................................--- -------- -------------- ( ) atlon of the electric corporation's power lines, if considered appropriate by the Section 4.2—Public Safety Power Shutoff(PSPS) Procedure electric corporation;and Section 4.3—Operational Action Index with Fire Danger Linkage Figure 7—Fire Danger/Operational Index If an electric utility plans to use de-energization as part of its wildfire mitigation efforts,this section must Figure 8—Fire Season PSPS Decision Making Process/Operational address the standards,criteria,and operational protocols,for de-energization for encroachment of a Table wildfire,proactive de-energization(PSPS)to reduce fire risk,and deenergization from 3rd party energy Section 4.3.1—Risk Monitoring and Forecasting providers.This discussion must include,but is not limited to the following: Section 4.3.2—Risk Assessment and Initial Decision-Making Section 4.3.3—Notification and Coordination(Pre-Activation • A summary of the conditions under which de-energization may be used,if applicable. Phase: 72-24 Hours Out) • The criteria or protocols for evaluating its appropriateness to engage. Section 4.4—Final Decision and Activation(24-0 Hours Out) • Summary of the electric corporation's operational protocols for before,during,and after a de- Figure 9—National Weather Service Red Flag Weather Matrix, energization event. Eastern Washington and North Idaho • Description of how the electric corporation will coordinate with local emergency managers,operators 4.3.5—Monitoring During a PSPS of critical facilities,and affected communities before,during,and after a de-energization event. 4.3.6 Restoration Process After a PSPS • Descriptions of other operations for limiting impact to affected communities;which may include Section 5—Outreach and Communications community resource centers,emergency generators,backup batteries,etc. Section 5.1—KEC Internal Processes to Guide Wildfire-Related Communication Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 7. Section 5.2—Coordination with Federal,State,Tribal,and Local Agencies Section 5.2.1—Annual Coordination Meeting Section 5.2.1—Communication of Changes in Operating Condition Section 5.2.3—Comm unications with OEM Regarding PSPS Section 5.3—Member Communications KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 34 DECEMBER 31,2025 - _ - - ------ ._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._. - .-..-- ----...............---- _- ----.__-.-... ... - --- -- - -------- -- --------- ----- ---._._.------- ------ ------ - — .......................-- (III) Vegetation management within the areas that are identified as heightened fire risk areas in the Section 3.3 Vegetation Management wildfire mitigation plan and are within the electric corporation's rights-of-way or lands adjacent Appendix A—Vegetation Management Plan thereto and that threaten the power lines or other electric corporation infrastructure. If live Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management marketable timber is identified for removal from timber company land adjacent to the rights- Implementation Plan of-way,compensation at fair market value shall be made to the landowner for such timber. This section must provide an overview of the utility's vegetation management program aimed at reducing the risk of vegetation-related contact with electric infrastructure in areas with heightened wildfire risk within its rights-of-way or lands adjacent thereto.Elements of this vegetation management section overview should include,but is not limited to,the following: • Identification,description,and citation of vegetation management standards for elevated wildfire risk areas. • Explanation of how vegetation management standards,procedures,and schedules are different or the same as routine vegetation management. • Description of the current and planned vegetation management practices used to mitigate wildfire risk,including any enhancements in designated wildfire areas. • The electric corporation must explain how the electric utility considered vegetation management recommendations by other federal,state,and county agencies into its standards. • Must include measurable targets/goals to be achieved within the WMP.E.g.,miles of lines completed,risk trees removed,etc. • Explanation of how identified risk trees are classified,prioritized,and corrected. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 7-8. An update of lessons learned from the previously approved WMP within the annual filings for WMP N/A review and approval. Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 8. A breakdown of each program category's forecasted costs by year for both capital and O&M expenditures Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management through the length of the WMP. Implementation Plan Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 8. A section in which it describes how the electric corporation addresses each of the Commission's orders Appendix E—Wildfire Standard of Care Act and Order No.36774 and Staff's recommendations. WMP Guideline Compliance Matrix Order No.36774,Exhibit 1 at 8. Electric corporations shall develop rolling WMPs with a minimum three-year planning horizon. Section 1.1—Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 35 DECEMBER 31,2025 Order No.36774 at 20. Appendix A-1-2026-2028 Vegetation Management Implementation Plan Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan WMPs must explain how an electric corporation's line design methods reduce the potential for wildfire Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach ignition,including a cost evaluation. Appendix B-2026-2028 Construction Work Implementation Plan Order No.36774 at 20. All electric corporations must include a cost-benefit analysis in their proposed WMPs that justifies the Section 6—Cost Evaluation;Cost-Benefit Approach expenditures for risk mitigation described within. Order No.36774 at 20. Unregulated Entities shall submit a completed copy of Staff's proposed"Need to Know"document with See Application of Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc.for Approval their initial WMP filings to aid Staff in its review of the plan. of its Wildfire Mitigation Plan at page 1 and Attachment 2. Order No.36774 at 20. KOOTENAI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC.WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN-PAGE 36 DECEMBER 31,2025 APPENDIX F Heightened Wildfire Risk Map Overlaved with Boundaries for Areas Served by KEC .� f f6a F ' SF „`Ill ` ar a �w ¢� Ilk . #r } � 4k As e �. = to �'!• -�• y�y ram' -sue _s. It kit f e. 1191k. V %Mkmm '" + :'cry high I v= Gh Immar 1 APPENDIX G KEC'S Response to Staff s First Production Request, Request No. 14 CIPUC Case No. C07-E-25-01 First Production Request of Commission Staff Request No. 14 Person Preparing Response: Julie Turbin, VP of Operations& Operational Services Record Holder: Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("KEC") KEC Contact: Michael G. Andrea, General Counsel, (208) 292-3280 Request No. 14: Regarding the Company's risk assessment of its service territory,please explain how the Company determined each level of risk identified as medium, high, or very high, including the criteria and thresholds used to distinguish between each level of risk. KEC Response: As stated in Section 2.1 of KEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan: KEC uses a combination of resources and data to determine specific geographical areas that are considered to have a heightened risk of wildfire. First, as shown in Figure 3, KEC utilizes data from Wildfire Risk to Communities.I This data rates the areas from very low to very high, based on techniques developed to create various simulations factoring in weather, topography, ignitions and vegetation. This data is then overlayed with proprietary vegetation management software that produces further insight into how those areas overlap within the KEC service area and infrastructure. This allows KEC to better understand how the identified wildfire risk zones align with vegetation encroachments and hazard trees and develop vegetation management goals to prioritize heightened risk zones. Areas with denser vegetation are denoted on Figure 3 as "Medium,""High," and"Very High"Wildfire Risk Zones, which are areas that KEC considers may be subject to a heightened risk of wildfire (Heightened Risk Areas). KEC uses the information depicted in Figure 3 to prioritize vegetation management practices and other work in Heightened Risk Areas. ' Wildfire Risk to Communities: Spatial datasets of landscape-wide wildfire risk components for the United States. 2nd Edition.Fort Collins,CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive available at: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS- 2020-0016-2.