BOISE, ID — The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comment on a 2026 wildfire mitigation plan submitted by Avista Utilities, outlining steps the company plans to take to reduce wildfire risk in northern Idaho.

The plan is required under Idaho’s Wildfire Standard of Care Act, which mandates annual commission approval of wildfire mitigation plans for investor-owned electric utilities. Utilities that reasonably implement an approved plan are presumed to have acted without negligence if a wildfire leads to litigation.

According to the commission, Avista’s plan includes geographic risk assessments, fire detection equipment, hourly fire-risk modeling, construction strategies aimed at preventing ignition, vegetation management, wildfire preparedness exercises, and public outreach efforts, including notifications related to wildfire-related power outages.

Written comments will be accepted through April 16, 2026. Comments must reference Case No. AVU-E-25-15 and include the commenter’s name and address. Submissions may be made through the commission’s website, by email, or by mail for those without computer access.