Additionally, the utility company said it is cooperation with the investigations, which may take significant amount of time to complete.
Cal Fire is also investigating PG&E in connection with the multiple wildfires in Northern Californi
New fire-safety regulation
On December 14, the CPUC implemented tougher regulation for utility companies to improve fire safety in high fire-threat areas. CPUC’s Board unanimously approved the new fire safety regulations.
CPUC President Michael Picker said the new regulation is “a major rewrite” of the state’s fire-prevention rules for utility companies. According to him, climate change increases the risks of wildfires in California.
In addition, Picker said, state officials “accept and acknowledge that the scope of the problem is changing.” They noted the fire season in California seems to be happening year-round.
Under the new fire-safety regulation, energy utility companies are required to do the following:
- increase clearances between power lines and vegetation
- perform annual patrol inspections of overhead distribution facilities
- prepare fire prevention plans
- take other steps to mitigate fires in high-risk zones
The regulation also established a High Fire-Threat District map. Picker said, “The map includes a broader definition of fire threat and also shows how dramatically climate impacts are increasing fire risks…”
California wildfires could be the new normal due to climate change
Last week, Governor Jerry Brown warned Californians that wildfires could be the new normal in the state due to climate change. He said, “This could be something that happens every year or every few years. We’re about to have a firefighting Christmas.” He added, “With climate change, some scientists are saying that Southern California is literally burning up.”
