2 – Wildfire Mitigation Plan Overview

2.1 Purpose of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan

Reducing the risk of utility-caused wildfire plays an essential role in OKPUD’s operational practices. Its existing policies, programs, and procedures, as well as the incorporation of emerging technologies, are intended to directly or indirectly manage or reduce the risk of its utility infrastructure becoming the origin or contributing factor for wildfire.

OKPUD believes the strategies and activities described in this WMP, with associated goals and metrics, are a practical approach to reducing fire-related risk for the PUD’s customers in the near term and will allow for refinement and improvement over time. As the PUD gains experience implementing the WMP’s mitigation programs and new information emerges, the PUD will assess, evaluate, enhance, and refine its practices.

The WMP describes vegetation management, asset inspection and maintenance, recloser setting protocols, restoration of service processes, and community outreach efforts. Additionally, it spells out plan ownership, performance metrics, deficiency identification, and the plan’s audit and approval process. It also addresses the unique features of OKPUD’s service area, such as topography, weather, infrastructure, grid configuration, and potential wildfire risks. While OKPUD’s Board of Commissioners provides supervision over the plan, its implementation primarily resides with Operations Manager (OM) and Chief Engineer (CE), but it is the General Manager (GM) who is ultimately responsible.

2.2 Description of Where the WMP Can Be Found Online

The OKPUD WMP will be available through the PUD website.

2.3 Best Practices Cross-reference Table

Table 2. Best Practices Cross-reference Table