Arizona Utilities Collaborate on Wildfire Mitigation Strategies

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Key stakeholders collaborating on wildfire mitigation at the Payson town hall.

News Summary

On May 15, 2025, the Arizona Corporation Commission held a town hall in Payson to discuss wildfire risk mitigation. Utility providers, government agencies, and community members gathered to explore partnerships and innovative strategies for fire prevention, including vegetation management and grid hardening. APS announced an expansion of its Public Safety Power Shutoff program, impacting 65,000 customers. The town hall emphasized the importance of homeowner involvement and awareness during National Wildfire Awareness Month.

Arizona Utilities Collaborate on Wildfire Mitigation Strategies at Payson Town Hall

On May 15, 2025, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) convened a special open meeting focused on preventing and mitigating wildfire risks. The town hall took place at the Payson Public Library located at 328 N. McLane Road, drawing various stakeholders invested in wildfire mitigation.

The nearly three-hour event was moderated by ACC Vice-Chairman Nick Myers, who highlighted the necessity of strong partnerships among utility providers and government agencies to address the growing wildfire threat. Among the key participants were representatives from Arizona Public Service (APS), Tucson Electric Power & UniSource, Salt River Project (SRP), Navopache Electric Cooperative, Alliant Gas, Arizona Water Company, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

During the town hall, utility companies presented their ongoing initiatives aimed at wildfire risk reduction. These strategies include effective tree and vegetation management, grid hardening to prevent outages during extreme weather events, and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) programs designed to temporarily turn off power in high-risk conditions. APS also announced an expansion of its PSPS program to cover areas in Pinal and Navajo counties, which will affect approximately 65,000 customers.

The Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management reported that their wildfire mitigation treatments last year successfully treated nearly 24,000 acres of land. Vice-Chair Myers urged homeowners to create defensible spaces around their properties and to ensure their contact information is up-to-date with utility companies and emergency management agencies.

Elected officials and staff attended the town hall as well, reinforcing the importance of spreading vital information about wildfire concerns to their constituents. Commissioner Rachel Walden praised the town hall’s role in fostering community engagement and promoting transparency regarding wildfire prevention measures.

In a broader context, the ACC formally declared May 2025 as National Wildfire Awareness Month, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the public, utilities, and government to address the wildfire risk in Arizona. Fire officials have pointed out that many wildfires in the state are human-caused, although they can also originate from natural events like lightning strikes or malfunctioning power lines.

Efforts by utility companies not only focus on prevention but also on making sure that existing fires do not reignite. The recent Greer fire, which has burned over 9,500 acres, is currently under investigation, with more details anticipated shortly. Residents were reminded of the importance of maintaining defensible spaces around their homes and encouraged to sign up for alerts from their utility providers.

Governor Katie Hobbs recently signed legislation to offer utilities greater protection from lawsuits provided they adhere to safety protocols. This legal framework aims to further support the utility companies’ efforts in mitigating wildfire risks and enhancing public safety.

To add a layer of preparedness, every county in Arizona has formulated emergency operation plans to address wildfire risks and monitor high-risk areas. These plans are designed to ensure swift responses to active wildfires and to implement preventative measures throughout the year.

The collaborative effort displayed at the Payson town hall underscores the importance of community involvement and proactive initiatives in safeguarding Arizona’s residents and natural habitats from the devastating impacts of wildfires.