20260717News Release.pdf

Idaho Public Utilities Commission Bradlitle, Gox-error
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, D 83720.0074 Echvard Lodge,Presdert
John K Hammond, Jr.,Conurrigsioner
�qr�•� Darn Hardie,Commissioner
Case No. COI-E-26-01
Order No. 37102
Contact:Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail Address: [e-mail]
NEWS RELEASE: Commission Denies Electric Utility's Application Seeking Approval of
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
BOISE (July 17, 2026)—The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has denied an application
submitted by Clearwater Power Company seeking approval of the utility's 2026 Wildfire
Mitigation Plan(WMP). While acknowledging the work Clearwater Power invested in
developing its plan, the Commission determined the WMP does not contain sufficient
information needed for its approval.
Electric utilities submit the WMPs to the Commission pursuant to the Wildfire Standard of Care
Act(WSCA). The WSCA requires the Commission to annually approve the plans for investor-
owned utilities. Under the WSCA, if a wildfire results in a lawsuit against an electric utility, there
is a presumption that the utility acted without negligence if it reasonably implemented a
Commission-approved WMP. Municipal and cooperative electric utilities,which are not
regulated by the Commission, may voluntarily submit plans for the Commission's review.
Clearwater Power submitted its plan to the Commission on Jan. 20, 2026. The WMP offered
information on fuel and vegetation management, workforce training, community outreach,
government coordination and preventive actions as well as programs designed to reduce wildfire
risk, among other items.
In its order issued on July 16, 2026, the Commission determined the WMP needed additional
information on subjects including wildfire-specific vegetation risks, consistent performance
metrics, historical trend data,project-level cost information, quality assurance programs and
explanations of how specific mitigation investments reduce wildfire risk. The Commission also
determined that future WMPs should provide additional information on operational practices
during heightened wildfire conditions.
In its order, the Commission encouraged Clearwater Power to continue working with
Commission Staff, the Idaho Department of Lands and other stakeholders on the development of
its next WMP.
The utility serves customers in 11 counties in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
Additional information is available at: https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7693.