By Bob Christie | AZ Capitol Times
The state’s largest electricity provider and other utilities will get a second chance Monday to see the Arizona House consider legislation shielding them from much of the liability they currently face if their equipment starts a catastrophic wildfire.
The measure backed by Arizona Public Service Co. and other electric providers failed by a 32-28 vote last week over concerns about the new liability shield. It’s opposed by insurance companies and trial lawyers because it strips homeowners and insurers of much of their current ability to recover damages from utilities responsible for starting a blaze.
Changes to the liability limits will be needed to win over lawmakers who voted against the bill last week. But just how much they are pared back won’t be known until amendments are made public before Monday’s action.
