Berkshire executive calls wildfire claims against its utility business unfounded

Item 1 of 2 A man walks through a street in the town where about 10,000 residents were evacuated as the fire continues, in Molalla, Oregon, U.S., September 11, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File PhotoA man walks through a street in the town where about 10,000 residents were evacuated as the fire continues, in Molalla, Oregon, U.S., September 11, 2020.

"When we come to the wildfires, that's been a substantial challenge because it's the first time there's been a lot of discussion around one of our utilities" that is experiencing "significant losses associated with wildfires," Abel said. But Abel said temporarily shutting off power during storms or wildfires was not on the minds of utility employees, and it required Berkshire "to fundamentally change the culture."

Utah lawmakers in March allowed large utilities to collect surcharges from customers to establish wildfire funds, and capped liability on some claims, a move that Abel described as the "gold standard."

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