Wildfires are no longer a distant risk— they’re here and they’re reshaping how every utility and community must prepare and respond. From Maui to the Texas Panhandle to Long Island, the consequences can be devastating. In response, NARUC’s members, utilities and others have focused over the last year to develop a workbook for states focused on Managing Wildfire Risk in the Electric Utility Sector, sharing the efforts of states, utilities and others to mitigate and reduce the risk to utilities, customers and communities. Drawing from industry leaders and wildfire resilience experts, this panel will highlight innovations in regulatory policies, strategies and technologies, including through the use of AI, to support cost effective wildfire risk assessment, mitigation planning, grid hardening and community resilience while balancing safety, affordability, and reliability. The audience will learn: How utilities and regulators analyze wildfire risks and develop mitigation plans and strategies to enhance wildfire resilience and balance grid reliability with wildfire safety and customer affordability. How innovative technology deployment and collaboration between utilities and state and local entities is enhancing wildfire preparedness. How regulators and policymakers are managing financial risks and improving wildfire preparedness and resilience.

Moderator:
Hon. Ann Rendahl, Commissioner, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Panelists:
Sam Davis, CEO, Bridger Aerospace
Hon. Karen Kemerait, North Carolina Utilities Commission
Mary Kipp, President and CEO, Puget Sound Energy
Rebecca O'Neill, Advisor, PNNL
Arvind Satyam, Co-Founder & Cheif Commerical Officer, Pano
Bryan Spear, CEO,Technosylva