20260909News Release.pdf

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Idaho Public Utilities Commission Brad Li* Govemor
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 Edward fie,Pcesidart
John R.Hammond, Jr,Com rd2ioner
�1913: Dayn Hardie,Commissioner
Case No. ATL-E-26-01
Order No. 37158
Contact: Adam Rush
Office: [phone]
E-mail Address: [e-mail]
NEWS RELEASE: Electric Utility Submits Application Seeking Approval of Wildfire Mitigation Plan
BOISE (Sept. 9, 2026) — Atlanta Power has submitted an application to the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission seeking approval of its 2026 wildfire mitigation plan (WMP). The plan provides information
on work the utility is doing to reduce the risk of wildfires in its service area.
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.
Atlanta Power's WMP describes how the utility plans to design, inspect, operate and maintain its electrical
system to reduce wildfire risks. Atlanta Power said its risk mitigation strategy consists of relocating its
distribution lines to roadway areas rather than forested areas, replacing aged poles and conductors and
following an annual vegetation management schedule.
The plan also addresses how Atlanta Power coordinates with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the
Atlanta Fire District on wildfire preparedness and emergency response as well as how it keeps customers
informed of wildfire risks before, during and after the fire season.
Commission Staff will review the plan and make a recommendation regarding whether to approve it.
Additional information on the WMP is available at: https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7840.