2026 Event Schedule

As wildfire risk accelerates across the West, utilities are evolving their fire prevention and response strategies to protect infrastructure and communities. In this panel, leaders from Arizona Public Service and Portland General Electric will join former Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to discuss how utilities and emergency response partners are working together to reduce wildfire severity and improve outcomes.

Moderated by Pano AI’s Arvind Satyam, the discussion will explore:

• Lessons learned from recent fire seasons and how they’re informing long-term planning
• Key areas of Utility wildfire mitigation efforts (System Hardening, Situational Awareness, Vegetation Management etc)
• How technology and AI are changing wildfire response 
• The evolution of PSPS and grid-hardening investments in high-risk areas
• The critical role of collaboration between utilities and public safety agencies
• How utility leadership is rethinking the role of the IOU in public safety and climate adaptation

While the panelists represent Western states, the conditions they face - hotter temperatures, drier landscapes, and faster-moving fires - are increasingly relevant nationwide. This session provides a practical and strategic look at how utility and public-sector leaders are building wildfire resilience through technology, coordination, and shared accountability.