Berkshire utility seeks to change who pays for wildfires

PacifiCorp has lobbied in multiple states for laws to limit wildfire payouts and is appealing jury verdicts tied to Oregon’s Labor Day fires; one plaintiff, Cuozzo, was awarded more than $6 million and is still awaiting payment.

PacifiCorp, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is pursuing legal and legislative steps related to wildfire liabilities. The company has been lobbying across several states for laws that would cap payouts to fire victims and has sought to shift some fire-related losses to customers. Jurors awarded damage claims following Oregon’s Labor Day fires, and one plaintiff, Cuozzo, 80, was awarded more than $6 million. PacifiCorp is appealing those jury verdicts while the broader policy and legal questions are being debated. Known details: - A jury awarded more than $6 million to Cuozzo after finding PacifiCorp equipment caused a Labor Day fire in Oregon. - PacifiCorp is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and is appealing the jury verdicts related to that fire and other claims. - The company has lobbied across multiple states for laws that would cap payouts to fire victims and has sought to pass some fire-related costs to customers. - The Labor Day fires burned thousands of properties and generated billions of dollars in damage claims. Summary: The situation involves both court appeals and lobbying that could influence how wildfire costs are allocated among utilities, victims, and customers. How the laws under consideration or the ongoing appeals will resolve those questions is undetermined at this time.