California’s investor-owned utilities are planning to spend nearly $11 billion in 2021 and 2022 on programs aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires in their service territories, according to annual wildfire mitigation plans filed with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) late last week.
These programs outline several strategies, including inspecting and repairing equipment, trimming back trees and other vegetation that could fall into power lines, and investing in grid technologies and system “hardening.” The utilities are also aiming to reduce the impact of public safety power shut-offs (PSPS) on their customers.