Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Directs Electric Utilities to File Comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plans
St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is strengthening public safety and grid resilience by directing the state’s four rate regulated electric utilities to develop and file dedicated Wildfire Mitigation Plans. This action follows the Commission’s review of the 2025 Integrated Distribution Plans (IDPs) submitted by Dakota Electric Association, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Xcel Energy.
Since 2018, utilities have filed five-year IDPs that include some wildfire information, but rising wildfire risk now demands a clearer and more transparent approach. To address this, the PUC is directing utilities to file standalone Wildfire Mitigation Plans in separate proceedings, ensuring these strategies receive focused review and giving the public a better ability to track long term mitigation efforts.
Under this directive, Dakota Electric, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power, and Xcel Energy must each file their Wildfire Mitigation Plans by February 1, 2027. Each plan must include:
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Detailed risk mapping, including updated wildfire risk maps and explanations of how utilities model and prioritize high risk areas.
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Data driven reporting on historical wildfire events, wildfire related outages, outage durations, and the effectiveness of current mitigation measures.
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Public safety protocols outlining any public safety power shutoff programs, including public notification processes and protections for customers who rely on medically necessary electric service.
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Community engagement plans describing how utilities will communicate with the public before, during, and after wildfire events and provide educational materials that help residents reduce local fire risk.
“Our responsibility is to protect the safety and reliability of the services Minnesotans count on every day,” said Commission Chair, Katie Sieben. “Requiring Wildfire Mitigation Plans ensures utilities are assessing risks early, engaging directly with their communities, and taking concrete steps to safeguard lives, property, and the stability of our electric grid while ensuring the investments remain affordable.”
The Commission also clarified that reviewing the plans does not preapprove associated costs. Utilities must demonstrate the necessity and prudence of wildfire-related investments through future rate cases.
This initiative supports the Commission’s mission to ensure safe, adequate, and reliable utility service for all Minnesotans. As climate patterns shift, the PUC continues working to keep Minnesota’s energy infrastructure resilient amid emerging threats.
The PUC has also been advancing statewide wildfire mitigation efforts. In May, it convened a Wildfire Planning Meeting that brought together nationally recognized experts and Minnesota electric utilities to discuss best practices, recent wildfire events, and system response strategies. The Commission also provided guidance for NARUC’s wildfire workbook – a comprehensive resource outlining how states across the country are addressing wildfire risk. These discussions are shaping future utility planning and strengthening Minnesota’s preparedness for increasing wildfire risk.
Utilities will now begin developing their plans for the 2027 deadline. Once filed, each plan will be open to public comment, giving residents, local officials, and other stakeholders meaningful opportunities to provide input.
Visit the Commission's website for information on Integrated Distribution Planning and the Wildfire Planning Meeting. Additional information on NARUC’s wildfire workbook is available online.
About
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
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