Oregon’s PUC Approves Wildfire Plan

Wildfire mitigation plans by Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power have been approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission.  PUC Chair Letha Tawney said the plans include vegetation management and a stronger grid.

"It also describes how they're going to talk to communities, both to consult about the risk, but also to educate them on what might happen, if we have a risky day," she said.

That could include a Public Safety Power Shutoff, where electricity is turned off in high fire risk areas. They, Tawney said, can also make the grid more responsive.

"More and more, we're seeing the utilities operate the system in what's called sensitive settings where if something touches the line, even on not a high wind day, but a very high fire risk day, the line will turn off immediately," Tawney added.

She said customers need to prepare for that possibility.  She said its a good idea to always have batteries for radios and power blocks for cell phones, extra water and food, and a go-bag with essential documents, medication and other essential items.

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