Wildfire risks are driving up costs for Northwest utilities

Wildfire liability costs are pushing Pacific Northwest utilities to spend millions on grid hardening, with expenses trickling down to consumers through rate increases. Puget Sound Energy, which serves Burien-area customers, has spent over $200 million on wildfire mitigation since 2024 and is proposing a 16.75% rate hike starting January 2027. Washington regulators are beginning to review utility wildfire spending plans, while lawmakers explore liability insurance requirements to protect both utilities and residents.