How Innovative Wildfire Mitigation Efforts Helps Keep Rates Affordable
Wildfires are becoming an increasingly significant threat to communities and critical infrastructure across California. For the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), ensuring the safety and reliability of its power systems means going beyond reacting to fires, it means preventing them before they start. Through innovative wildfire mitigation planning and cutting-edge technology, the SFPUC continues to lead the way in protecting both people and power.
The Importance of Mitigation Planning
For public power utilities, wildfire mitigation isn't just about protecting poles and wires, it’s about protecting people, communities, and ecosystems. Investing in proactive measures strengthens the resilience of the electricity grid while reducing costs, enhancing public safety, and meeting regulatory standards.
“Part of the SFPUC’s mission is to be good stewards of the lands and natural resources entrusted to us,” said Ethan Billigmeier, SFPUC Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. “Preventing wildfires is a critical part of fulfilling that mission, especially in our current climate, where fires are starting year-round.”
The SFPUC is the first publicly owned utility in California to adopt a Fire Potential Index, an AI-driven forecasting tool that compiles data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and fuel moisture from over 300 private weather stations. The result: a daily, localized fire risk assessment that guides operations and informs on-the-ground decisions.
The index is just one of many tools that reflect the SFPUC’s forward-thinking approach to wildfire risk management — an approach that balances operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and fiscal stewardship.
Wildfire Mitigation Strategies in Action
The SFPUC’s Wildfire Mitigation team works year-round to inspect and manage roughly 324 miles of transmission lines and 49 miles of distribution lines stretching from San Francisco to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. These lines are inspected annually to ensure safety and reliability.
In the field, teams use vegetation management practices to identify and eliminate potential fire hazards. Trees and plants along the transmission corridor are evaluated using GPS mapping, and those requiring trimming or removal are marked for treatment. Every year, the Hetch Hetchy Vegetation Management Crew and Natural Resources and Lands Management team perform this critical work to reduce fire risk and protect the region’s ecosystems.
Innovation That Strengthens Financial Resilience
The SFPUC’s proactive wildfire mitigation doesn’t just make communities safer — it also strengthens the agency’s financial standing.
Earlier this year, the SFPUC was impacted in a peculiar way by the devastating wildfires in Southern California, despite being thousands of miles away. As the wildfires were ablaze in Southern California, bond rating agencies were anticipating the possibility of fires occurring near power lines in Northern California. Consequently, the bond rating agency S&P Global Ratings issued a negative outlook on the SFPUC and a number of other Northern California power ratings.
The SFPUC’s robust Wildfire Mitigation Plan, however, played a part in reversing that negative outlook. The SFPUC was able to maintain its AA- rating from Fitch Ratings, and S&P restored a stable outlook and confirmed the SFPUC’s AA rating.
“We were excited to demonstrate to the bond rating agencies the amazing technology the Hetch Hetchy team is using to monitor the power lines in the forest and the extensive work that has been done to manage growth along the power lines,” said Nikolai J. Sklaroff, SFPUC Capital Finance Director.
These strong credit ratings help keep customer rates affordable by allowing the SFPUC to access low-interest borrowing rates, funding critical infrastructure projects while minimizing financial costs.
Leading the Way for California
As wildfires continue to evolve, so does the SFPUC’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community safety. From AI-based forecasting to hands-on vegetation management, the agency’s work serves as a model for other utilities.
“Cities in California are looking to San Francisco and the SFPUC as leaders in wildfire mitigation,” said General Manager Dennis Herrera. “This is one of the many examples of how the agency is a leader in excellent service, environmental stewardship, and innovation.”
Through its continued dedication to wildfire prevention, financial strength, and sustainable practices, the SFPUC is not just powering San Francisco — it’s powering a safer, more resilient future.
Our City. Our Power. Our Responsibility.
