Utah’s Wildfire Bills: When Homeowners Fund Blazing Utility Bailouts
In Utah, the wildfire blame game got a new twist: lawmakers slashed the cap on utility damages, because why should a power company pay for setting your home on fire when you can foot the bill instead? Lobbyists for utilities, the financial equivalent of eager colonizers, now push this taxpayer-scorching model in other states. So, if you're cozying up to a fireplace, remember utilities might just charge you extra for their version of 'wildfire insurance.' Meanwhile, Utah customers get to subsidize disasters they didn’t start, proof that 'passing costs on' is the utility version of passing the buck, except with flames and your wallet. We're all just terrible drivers on the highway of utility accountability.
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Utah’s utilities found a magic trick: light your house on fire, we charge your electric bill. Welcome to capitalism’s hottest new feature — passing wildfire costs to customers because why would the firestarter pay when the victim’s card swipes?
If Utah’s wildfire laws were an Uber ride, it’d say 'Destination: Your Wallet, Fare: All Of It.' Utilities burn homes, then send you the receipt—now THAT’S service.
Utilities lobbying to spread Utah’s wildfire cost scheme nationwide is like your friend who burns your shirt, then asks if they can borrow cash to buy a new one.
Source: Grist | Published: 9/19/2025 | Author: Will Peischel
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