Wyoming Passes Wildfire Mitigation Law
During the most recent legislative session, the Wyoming legislature enacted a Wildfire Mitigation bill that requires electric utilities, except those owned by cities or towns, to develop and follow a wildfire mitigation plan. These plans must be submitted to the Wyoming Public Service Commission by June each year and updated at least every 5 years.
While wildfires have always been a concern, expanding development and prolonged dry conditions have increased wildfire risk across the country. These events not only threaten our members' property and the cooperative's assets, but it can also lead to prolonged power outages. That's why High West Energy focuses heavily on this issue and is committed to doing everything we can to minimize this risk.
These plans must include maps showing wildfire-prone areas in their service area, inspection and maintenance schedules for power lines, vegetation management strategies, equipment upgrades to prevent wildfires, and how utilities will coordinate with other utilities and emergency responders. This plan also must include procedures for monitoring our system during high wildfire risk, how we will restore power, as well as how we will communicate to our members and the public about wildfire risks.
While this is an ongoing commitment, we will continue communicating with our members in our newsletter and social media platforms about what we are doing to mitigate this risk, as well as provide immediate contact to members if there is ever a wildfire-related emergency.
This law officially took effect on July 1, 2025. We'll share more information as we finalize our wildfire mitigation plan for the Commission, but in the meantime, if you ever come across a downed power line or have any concerns regarding this topic, please contact our office at 307-245-3261.
Together, we can help prevent wildfires and protect our communities. Our mission is to serve our members by providing safe, reliable, and reasonably priced energy and services, and every day, we work to fulfill that promise.
Director's Corner-Mike Romsa, District 11
Wildfires are no longer confined to the western United States. Traditionally associated with dry, fire-prone regions like California, wildfires are now affecting areas in the Midwest and even parts of the Southeast. As a result, more communities are now facing growing threats from wildfires, prompting a need for broader awareness and preparedness nationwide.
High West Energy is working to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout our service territory. Through regular vegetation management, grid maintenance, and hardening practices, we are proactively working to reduce risks and improve the reliability of our local system.
As a member of High West Energy, there are steps you can take to prevent wildfires.
- Properly extinguish campfires. Always douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes and ensure everything is cool to the touch before leaving the area.
- Don't burn on windy days. Avoid outdoor burning when it's windy or dry, as embers can easily spread and ignite surrounding areas.
- Clear vegetation and debris. Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches, and other flammable materials.
- Use equipment safely. Tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws can spark fires. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.
- Follow local fire regulations. Always check for burn bans or restrictions in your area before burning anything or using open flames outdoors.
2025 High West Energy Scholarship Recipients
Haylee Bruckner- Cheyenne East High School
McCoy Bush- Cheyenne East High School
Chauncy Hendon- Cheyenne Central High School
Jessica Hoffman- Pine Bluffs Jr./Sr. High School
Deanna Horst- Sidney High School
Justin Klosterman- Kimball County High School
Isaac L. Olsen- Banner County High School
Zach Rotert- Potter-Dix Jr./Sr. High School
Blair Sanchez- Burns Jr./Sr. High School
Cooper Sanchez- Burns Jr./Sr. High School
Merina Theobald- Pine Bluffs Jr./Sr. High School
Loriana Walter- Cheyenne East High School
Check out the full Sparks below!