Did you know a plan tied to power lines is already shaping how wildfire risk is reduced across Nevada?
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada says May is Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month, and part of that focus is a requirement for NV Energy to maintain a Natural Disaster Protection Plan.
Since 2019, state lawmakers have required the utility to put that plan in place to reduce the chances that electrical equipment could contribute to or cause a wildfire. That includes steps like clearing vegetation near overhead power lines and shutting off power lines during periods of high wind.
The plan must be submitted to the commission for approval and includes several key parts. It identifies areas within the utility’s service territory that face a higher risk of wildfire or other natural disasters. It also outlines how the utility plans to reduce those risks in a way that is considered cost-effective and reasonable.
The plan details preventive measures designed to limit the chance that electric infrastructure could start a fire. It also includes the utility’s role in community wildfire protection plans across the state.
Another part of the plan focuses on what happens during an emergency. That includes protocols for shutting off distribution lines and disabling certain equipment when a fire or other disaster is a concern. Those steps must also take into account impacts to public safety, including effects on first responders and critical services like health care and communication systems.
The plan also requires regular inspections of electric infrastructure, vegetation management strategies, and procedures for restoring power after a disaster. It must align with the utility’s broader emergency response plan and outline how the company will carry it out, including any additional funding needed.
Most of the work tied to the plan is focused on higher-risk wildfire areas, especially in northern Nevada, including Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Elko. Other targeted areas include Mount Charleston and the Spring Mountains near Las Vegas.
The plan is funded through a dedicated charge on electric bills listed as Natural Disaster Protection Plan under charge details. While it adds a small monthly cost, the goal is to reduce the risk of large-scale wildfires and limit long-term damage and outages.
State law requires NV Energy to submit an updated plan every three years. The latest application, known as Docket No. 26-02034, covers the years 2027 through 2029.
