ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1522
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By House Environment & Energy (originally sponsored by Representatives Dent, Reeves, Springer, and Hill)
READ FIRST TIME 02/10/25.
AN ACT Relating to approval of electric utility wildfire mitigation plans; amending RCW 80.24.010 ; adding a new section to chapter 80.28 RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 80.28.440 .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to provide for the safe, efficient, and reliable transmission and distribution of electric power at affordable rates. Preparation for and response to wildfire risk is an increasingly important element of planning conducted by electric utilities. Proper preparation is crucial to position electric utilities to respond to wildfire risk. It is essential to make sure these risks are addressed, as needed, but also within appropriate cost parameters to keep electric power affordable to the public. This legislation is designed to direct the prudent use of resources by electric utilities to mitigate and respond to wildfire risk within costs that can be justified as fair, just, and reasonable in order to balance wildfire risk with affordable electric rates. This act relates to planning only and shall not be construed to create or alter any cause of action or alter the burden of proof in any cause of action.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 80.28 RCW to read as follows: