The Phase III Hearing on DAO Docket Issues (24-035-04) regarding Rocky Mountain Power's (RMP) rate case took place on March 23, 2025, in Utah. The meeting commenced with preliminary remarks, including the introduction of witnesses and the acknowledgment of those excused from the hearing.

Sophie Hayes, representing Western Resource Advocates, confirmed that witness Carl Boothman would present the following day. The chair then addressed a matter concerning the exchange of cross exhibits, noting that a report related to the Santiam Canyon fire was distributed to the parties that morning. This report concluded that power lines were not responsible for the fire's spread, which had not been available prior to the hearing. The chair allowed time for review of the report before any objections were raised.

Following these preliminary discussions, the chair invited Rocky Mountain Power to call its first witness, Joelle Stewart. Stewart confirmed her previous testimonies filed in earlier phases of the rate case and affirmed the accuracy of her Phase III rebuttal testimony. Both her rebuttal and surrebuttal testimonies were admitted without objection.

In her summary, Stewart outlined RMP's request for deferred accounting of approximately $104 million for excess liability insurance premiums incurred since 2023. Additionally, RMP seeks to recover around $82 million in commercial premium expenses for the test period of calendar year 2025. These costs are proposed to be recovered through an insurance cost adjustment (ICA), aimed at establishing a new insurance mechanism to address the financial risks associated with increasing wildfire incidents.

The hearing proceeded with the admission of testimonies and discussions on the implications of RMP's proposed insurance adjustments, highlighting the utility's efforts to manage risks linked to the growing frequency and severity of wildfires. The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between utility providers and regulatory bodies regarding financial accountability and risk management in the face of environmental challenges.