Wildfire risks are driving up costs for Northwest utilities

By: Aspen Ford

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: September 4, 2026

Words: 1,376

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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When power lines are blamed for starting a wildfire, costs to utilities can stretch into the billions and trickle down to consumers.

Earlier this year, PacifiCorp settled a federal lawsuit over its lines allegedly starting six fires in Oregon and California, burning nearly 300,000 acres of public land. Thousands of residents also filed claims against the investor-owned utility, which serves 2 million customers in the West.

The company has agreed to …

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