HI HB2102

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to periodically convene workshops to help electric utilities develop and share best practices for wildfire identification, protection, and mitigation.

Mandates each electric utility design and operate in compliance with a risk-based wildfire protection plan filed with and evaluated by the Public Utilities Commission, including identification of high-risk areas, mitigation strategies, preventive actions, vegetation management procedures, and community outreach efforts.

Establishes a deadline of December 31, 2024 for electric utilities to file their first risk-based wildfire protection plan with the Public Utilities Commission.

Allows electric utilities to recover all reasonable operating costs and prudent investments related to developing, implementing, and operating wildfire protection plans through customer rates via an automatic adjustment clause or other timely recovery method.

Imposes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of wildfire protection requirements and requires electric utilities to report wildfires potentially caused by or occurring in connection with their operations, with such reports prohibited from being used as evidence of causation in legal proceedings.