(AUSTIN – August 27, 2026) - AEP Texas, a unit of American Electric Power, filed a Wildfire Mitigation Plan with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on Monday, Aug. 24, designed to protect customers, employees and the electric grid from the threat of wildfire across our service territory. The plan outlines infrastructure maintenance and improvements, the deployment of innovative technologies and company communications strategies.
“Wildfire mitigation across the AEP Texas service territory is a top priority for us,” AEP Texas President and Chief Operating Officer Adrian Rodriguez said. “We have invested in advanced technologies and developed comprehensive plans to reinforce our commitment to delivering safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Our plan outlines the processes and technologies we use to identify wildfire risks, address vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, and communicate with customers before, during and after a potential wildfire threat to help keep our communities safe.”
The AEP Texas Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) builds on the company’s previously filed Resiliency Plan, which outlines a three-year strategy to strengthen distribution infrastructure, conduct targeted vegetation management and deploy technologies that enhance situational awareness to support wildfire prevention and mitigation.
The WMP provides and defines specific actions to reduce wildfire risk and protect customers and communities.
The plan outlines a range of proactive measures intended to reduce wildfire ignition risk, including:
- Risk-based inspection and maintenance programs for transmission and distribution infrastructure.
- Enhanced vegetation management activities in higher wildfire risk areas.
- Infrastructure improvements and system hardening projects designed to improve system resilience.
- Operational measures informed by weather conditions and wildfire risk.
- The potential use of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) measures under extreme conditions when necessary to protect public safety.
AEP Texas also maintains programs that support wildfire mitigation efforts in the communities it serves, including:
- A communications program to keep customers and communities informed about relevant wildfire risks and potential impacts.
- A wildfire response plan that guides the company’s actions during an event.
- An Incident Command System (ICS) that supports a coordinated response and effective collaboration among internal teams, emergency responders and external stakeholders.
As part of the filed plan, when conditions warrant, AEP Texas may take additional measures to protect communities and human life, such as implementing fire risk protocols and conservative operating practices that include disabling automatic reclosing functions and initiating a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
The filing represents an important step in AEP Texas's long-term commitment to reducing wildfire risk and strengthening community resilience. Through continued investment in monitoring capabilities, prevention programs, emergency preparedness, and stakeholder partnerships, AEP Texas remains focused on protecting customers, communities, and critical infrastructure while delivering safe and reliable electric service.
Subject to PUCT approval, the Wildfire Mitigation Plan is intended to become effective in January 2027. AEP Texas continues its outreach and customer education efforts with volunteer fire departments, emergency management officials, elected officials and other key stakeholders throughout its service territory.