Commissioners set new guidelines to prevent California wildfires

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved guidelines for when utilities can cut electricity during high winds and low humidity.

It is in an effort to prevent wildfires like the Camp Fire that killed 85 people. State regulators say utilities need to do a better job educating and notifying the public, especially in vulnerable areas, as they widen preventative power outages this summer.

Commissioners require utilities to improve how they educate residents on shutting off power and on how to prepare. Utilities must work with the Office of Emergency Services to join warning programs with state and local emergency warning systems already in place.

They separately approved utilities’ wildfire prevention plans. Those include cutting back vegetation and improving electric lines.