Texas Utilities Lag in Wildfire Mitigation Plans
In Texas, only eight out of 160 utility companies operating in fire-prone areas have submitted wildfire mitigation plans as required by House Bill 145, according to recent legislative hearings. The law mandates utilities to outline emergency protocols, vegetation management, and inspection of electrical equipment to reduce wildfire risks. This comes after devastating wildfires in 2024, including the Smokehouse Creek fire, which was the largest in Texas history. Lawmakers, including Rep. Ken King, expressed disappointment over the slow compliance, emphasizing the January deadline for submission. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has provided a model plan to assist smaller utilities, but progress remains slow, with 135 companies still preparing their plans and 13 yet to communicate their intentions.