The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding wildfire mitigation in North Dakota. The meeting featured testimonies from representatives of Xcel Energy and Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU), both of which emphasized the increasing threat of wildfires and the need for proactive measures.

The session began with a discussion led by a committee member expressing concerns about holding utilities liable for wildfire incidents caused by natural events. This sentiment underscored the need for a balanced approach that protects both the utilities and the citizens who ultimately bear the costs.

Beth Feldner from Xcel Energy introduced Riaz Mohammed, a wildfire regulatory specialist, who detailed the company's commitment to addressing wildfire risks. Mohammed highlighted that North Dakota experienced 17 red flag warning days last year, with over 100,000 acres burned in October alone. He advocated for Senate Bill 2,339, which aims to incentivize wildfire prevention and ensure utilities can invest in a resilient energy infrastructure.

Mohammed outlined Xcel Energy's comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy, which includes situational awareness tools, system reliability improvements, operational mitigations, and customer support initiatives. These measures are designed to prevent wildfires before they occur and to enhance communication with customers regarding wildfire risks.

Following Xcel Energy's presentation, Justin Deavor introduced Darrell Anderson from MDU, who also expressed support for Senate Bill 2,339. Anderson explained that the bill would require utilities to develop and implement wildfire mitigation plans, establish standards for these plans, and provide annual compliance reports. He emphasized MDU's ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reduce wildfire risks through operational changes and community outreach.

Anderson detailed MDU's initiatives, including daily operational fire prevention procedures, real-time environmental monitoring, and the establishment of a distribution system operations center to improve situational awareness. He urged the committee to recommend the passage of Senate Bill 2,339 to bolster wildfire prevention efforts.

The meeting concluded without further questions for the presenters, marking a significant step toward addressing the growing wildfire threat in North Dakota. The committee's discussions and the support for Senate Bill 2,339 reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding communities and ensuring reliable energy services amidst increasing environmental challenges.