§ 49-25-03 — Wildfire mitigation plan

1. A qualified utility may prepare a wildfire mitigation plan in accordance with this chapter.
2. A wildfire mitigation plan under this section must include a description of:
a. Areas within the service territory of the qualified utility which may be subject to a
heightened risk of wildfire;
b. The procedures, standards, and time frames the qualified utility will use to safely
and reliably operate and inspect its infrastructure affected by hazardous
vegetation;
c. The procedures and standards the qualified utility will use to perform vegetation
management;
d. The modifications or upgrades to facilities and preventative programs the
qualified utility will implement to reduce the risk of its electric facilities initiating a
wildfire;
e. Procedures for disabling reclosers to mitigate potential wildfires taking into
consideration:
(1) The ability of the qualified utility to reasonably disable reclosers and access
the proposed power line if it becomes de-energized;
(2) The balance of the risk of wildfire with the need for continued supply of
electricity to a community; and
(3) Any potential impact to public safety, first responders, and health and
communication infrastructure;
f. Procedures the qualified utility intends to use to restore its electrical system in the
event of a wildfire;
g. The costs for implementation of the plan, including system improvements and
upgrades;
h. Community outreach and public awareness efforts before and during a wildfire
season; and
i. Potential participation with state or local wildfire protection or mitigation plans.
3. The procedures and standards under this section must be compliant with the American
national standards institute standard A300, part 7, and the 2023 national electrical
safety code.