Electrical corporations: wildfire mitigation plans.
The impact of AB 280 on state law is significant, as it modifies the existing framework that governs the management and operation of electrical lines and equipment to mitigate wildfire risks. By requiring more comprehensive planning and evaluation protocols, the bill holds electrical corporations accountable for their wildfire risk management strategies. This will necessitate detailed reporting on risk assessment, preventive measures, and service restoration plans during and after wildfire events, thereby increasing the overall safety and reliability of electricity supply in California.
Assembly Bill 280, introduced by Assembly Member Robert Rivas, aims to enhance the requirements for wildfire mitigation plans prepared by electrical corporations under the Public Utilities Code. The bill mandates that electrical corporations not only submit their wildfire mitigation plans to the Wildfire Safety Division of the Public Utilities Commission but also to the relevant policy committees of the Legislature. This amendment seeks to improve legislative oversight and public transparency regarding preventative measures being taken against catastrophic wildfires, particularly in high-risk areas.
Notably, AB 280 also emphasizes the protection of vulnerable populations, such as customers relying on medical equipment during power outages, and introduces provisions for community engagement. These requirements aim to ensure that the plans are sensitive to local needs and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, including the public and emergency responders. However, as with many legislative measures, there could be contention around the feasibility of these requirements for smaller electrical corporations and the balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility.