S.B. 3096 Summary

• Creates a new regulatory framework requiring each electric utility to develop, implement, and maintain a risk-based wildfire protection plan subject to Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approval.

• Establishes a financing mechanism allowing utilities to issue bonds secured by "wildfire protection fees" (nonbypassable surcharges on all customers) to recover wildfire mitigation costs, with bond terms not to exceed 30 years.

• Requires wildfire protection plans to include risk assessments, mitigation strategies, vegetation management procedures, power shutoff protocols with customer notification procedures, infrastructure inspections, workforce readiness, and performance metrics.

• Provides civil liability protections for electric utilities and the PUC for actions taken in accordance with approved plans or for failure to implement plan components removed by PUC modification.

• Mandates the first wildfire protection plan be filed by December 31, 2024, and authorizes special purpose revenue bonds for wildfire mitigation through December 31, 2028.