The Oregon Supreme Court is hearing a case today that could expose Berkshire Hathaway utility PacifiCorp to tens of billions of dollars in damages. The case stems from the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Claimants allege PacifiCorp negligently failed to de-energize its power lines during a major windstorm, causing the fires.
A lower appeals court overturned jury awards totaling $1.25 billion against PacifiCorp, citing an error in the original jury instructions. The Supreme Court could reinstate the awards or uphold the appeals court’s decision, which would effectively restart litigation involving more than 1,000 plaintiffs.
PacifiCorp has already paid or agreed to pay billions of dollars in other settlements related to the 2020 fires.