On March 23, 2025, a significant Phase III Hearing took place in Utah regarding the Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) rate case, focusing on wildfire causes and the implications for utility operations. The discussions centered around the attribution of negligence in wildfire incidents and the reliability of data sources used to assess human-caused wildfires.

A key point of contention was the statistic presented by an expert witness, which indicated that human-caused fires accounted for 88% of all wildfires nationally, as reported by the National Interagency Fire Center. This figure was scrutinized during the hearing, particularly in comparison to Utah-specific data, which suggested that only 40% of wildfires in the state were human-caused from 1992 to 2020. The expert acknowledged the discrepancy but defended the national statistic's credibility, citing its larger sample size as a reason for its reliability.

The hearing also examined various causes of wildfires linked to utility infrastructure, including equipment failure and environmental factors such as high winds. The expert confirmed that multiple factors could contribute to wildfires, emphasizing the complexity of attributing negligence solely based on statistical data.

The discussions highlighted the challenges in assessing wildfire risks and the implications for utility companies in terms of liability and operational adjustments. As the hearing progressed, both the national and state data were admitted as exhibits, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of wildfire risks and the responsibilities of utility providers.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the importance of accurate data in understanding wildfire causes and the potential impact on utility regulations. As the case continues, stakeholders will need to navigate the complexities of wildfire attribution and its implications for future policies and practices in Utah.