Legislation protects Idaho’s small utilities

MIDVALE – Idaho state Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, believes a bill she helped craft will protect small Idaho utility companies and the public from the devastating impacts of wildfire.

 Boyle, who finished her 17th year as an Idaho lawmaker at the end of the 2025 Legislative session, lauded the passage of Senate Bill 1183 as a key tool to safeguard power generation and forests. The bill – which adds a new chapter to Idaho Code – compels electric corporations to create and employ wildfire mitigation plans approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

 Another key piece of the legislation is a proviso dubbed “rebuttable presumption.” The “rebuttable presumption” requirement limits negligence of power companies in civil legal actions if they “reasonably” applied an approved fire mitigation blueprint.

 Boyle said she helped write the legislation and teamed up with Rep. John Shirts, R-Weiser, in the House to push the bill for final approval.

 “I think it is fantastic, and I think it will protect the consumer,” said Boyle.

 Boyle said her focus with the bill was the “little, tiny power companies,” in the state.

 “The cooperatives who maybe have 300 customers. If they are blamed for a wildfire, they would be bankrupt,” said Boyle.

 The bill also outlines a process for utility companies to enter privately and publicly-owned land “or right-of-way on land owned by the state, a federal agency, or a tribal government” to conduct specific fire mitigation work – such as clearing vegetation – as long as proper, 30-day notice is delivered. 

 Sven Berg, a communications specialist for Idaho Power, said the company was pleased the bill was approved.

 “We especially appreciate the leadership of Reps. Judy Boyle, John Shirts and many other members of the Idaho House and Senate in guiding this commonsense bill to the finish line,” he said.

 Berg said Idaho Power places “the safety of our employees, customers and communities at the heart of everything we do.”

 “Idaho Power has long supported legislation like this. The Act holds utilities accountable for the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the grid. It will also keep California-style lawsuits from crippling utilities that reasonably implement wildfire mitigation plans,” he said.

 Boyle said she was especially pleased with another piece of legislation – House Bill 389 – she supported. That bill clears the way for the governor to direct state resources to fight wildfires burning on federal land. 

 “I think it will help people the most. The bill, in the end, either forces the Forest Service to put the fire out or local or IDL (Idaho Department of Lands) to put it out. No more of this sitting around for weeks at a time letting a fire burn,” said Boyle.

 Boyle also lauded the tax cuts – to the tune of $400 million – mandated by the Legislature.

 “We have a huge surplus so why not cut it down instead of continuing to tax people,” said Boyle.