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SB 292

Electricity: wildfire mitigation: deenergization events and reliability.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sabrina Cervantes

SB 292 regulates utility power shutoffs for wildfire prevention while mandating grid reliability standards, but Governor vetoed it over implementation or reliability concerns.

In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
#electricity #deenergizationeventsandreliability #wildfiremitigation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 292

Legislative bill overview

SB 292 addresses wildfire mitigation through deenergization events (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) while attempting to maintain electrical grid reliability in California. The bill establishes standards and limitations on when and how utility companies can shut off power to prevent wildfires from ignition by downed power lines.

Why is this important

California experiences frequent, devastating wildfires linked to electrical infrastructure. Utilities use deenergization as a preventative tool, but these shutoffs affect hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses. The bill seeks to balance fire prevention with minimizing disruption to public safety, healthcare, and economic activity during these events.

Potential points of contention

  • Reliability vs. safety trade-off: Restricting deenergization events could increase wildfire risk from electrical ignition while maintaining power availability; stricter limits may frustrate utilities and residents concerned about fire threats
  • Equity and burden distribution: Shutoffs disproportionately affect rural and high-risk areas; requirements protecting grid reliability may concentrate power outages in specific communities
  • Implementation feasibility: Utilities may lack technology or forecasting capacity to meet new standards for selective deenergization, raising compliance costs and operational complexity
  • Governor's veto reasoning: The veto suggests concerns about bill's practical enforceability, cost impacts on ratepayers, or insufficient reliability protections—the specific rationale should be reviewed in the veto message

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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