Supporting California’s Critical Utility Community
The California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force has released its draft Wildfire & Landscape Resilience Action Plan (2026-2031) for public review. The plan establishes the state’s priorities for reducing wildfire risk through landscape restoration, community preparedness, and regional collaboration over the next five years.
For California’s utility community, these initiatives directly influence how critical infrastructure is protected, how emergency planning evolves, and how utilities participate in statewide resilience efforts.
The draft plan is organized around three major priorities:
- Promoting landscape resilience through strategic fuel treatments and ecosystem restoration
- Increasing community wildfire preparedness through home hardening, defensible space, evacuation planning, and public education
- Strengthening regional and local coordination among government agencies, utilities, and community partners
A companion 10-Year Landscape Resilience Strategy focuses on treating California’s highest wildfire hazard areas first, expanding the use of beneficial fire, restoring post-fire landscapes, and protecting critical infrastructure throughout the state.
CUEA’s Perspective
As California’s cross-sector utility mutual assistance organization, CUEA will submit comments encouraging stronger recognition of lifeline utilities within the final Action Plan.
Areas of focus include:
- Better integration of utilities into regional resilience planning
- Increased coordination around fuel reduction projects near critical infrastructure
- Recognition of utilities as essential partners during wildfire planning and response
- Expanded funding opportunities that support multi-benefit resilience projects
These recommendations help ensure utility operators have a voice as California develops long-term wildfire resilience strategies.
Opportunity for Member Input
Member utilities are encouraged to review the draft plan and submit comments reflecting local priorities, regional projects, and operational experience.
Resources
- Draft Wildfire & Landscape Resilience Action Plan (2026-2031)
- Public Comment Form (comments accepted through August 7, 2026)
- Recorded Regional Webinars
