Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

(Saturday update)

LANE AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES, Ore. (KTVZ) — All primary control lines are complete on the Emigrant Fire. Due to cooler weather and increased humidity, crews along the southern flank of the fire were able to implement tactical firing operations yesterday off Forest Service Road (FSR) 2154 and along the western flank off FSR 2136. These are conducted to reduce fire behavior when meeting the primary line by removing understory fuels ahead of the fire, leaving large trees intact.

On the northern edge of the fire, crews continue to improve and deepen line. Snagging operations are ongoing in these areas as well. Moving southeast, crews are improving and adding check lines. Check lines are fuel breaks that compartmentalize unburned areas between the fire and primary control lines. These check lines allow for more manageable sections and safer anchors when conducting firing operations. Contingency groups are working on secondary lines along FSR 2160.

On the western edge of the fire, firefighters will continue to patrol and strengthen lines while assisting adjacent operations. Contingency groups in this area are working on secondary lines along FSR 2133 to join completed secondary lines along the southern edge. This work is expected to occur over multiple operational shifts. Contingency groups are working to protect structures in Timpanogas Campground and the hydroelectric flumes south of FSR 2154. Sprinkler systems are also being installed to protect bridges along the Middle Fork Trail.

Resource advisors continue to work with firefighters to protect natural resources in the fire area.

Earlier reporting:

Officials say firefighters are prepared for changing fire conditions as hot, dry and unstable air moves into the region.

The National Weather Service has issued fire weather alerts for the Cascades region through Wednesday.

The fire is currently zero-percent contained. The blaze is impacting air quality in Central Oregon.

Since initial attack, firefighters have been utilizing roads that were previously treated during the Tumblebug Fire in 2009, enabling quicker and safer access for full suppression efforts on the Emigrant Fire.

Firefighters encountered moderate fire conditions around the perimeter of the fire yesterday due to cooler temperatures and thick smoke blocking the sun. Firefighters are prepared for changing fire conditions as hot, dry and unstable air moves into the region.

The fire has stayed within primary containment lines. Lines are being reinforced by firefighters using a mix of tactical firing operations, brushing, hand prep, mastication, and dozer lines. A swing shift started Sunday afternoon to extend daily fire suppression operations. Firefighters are also working on secondary lines as more equipment and personnel arrive.

On the northern portion of the fire area, firefighters are utilizing sprinklers, hose lays and structure wraps to protect Sacandaga Campground and recreational structures like bridges along trail systems. In addition, tactical firing operations are planned between the campground and Forest Service Road 2143. The fire has backed down to Forest Service Road 2137 in the northwest. Fire crossed Echo Creek and firefighters are concentrating efforts to stop westward progression. Firefighters continue to prepare Forest Service Road 23 as a containment feature. Mastication continues on the primary fire line between the Willamette National Forest and privately owned timber land.

On the eastern and western flanks, tactical firing operations continued to reinforce primary lines. Mastication and hand crews followed by chipping operations are also strengthening control lines on the eastern flank.

On the southern end, firefighters are reinforcing established primary lines as the fire advances. Unmanned Aerial Systems using infrared imaging are being used to identify hotspots throughout the fire area.

WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s today and lower 90s mid-week, with Tuesday likely being the hottest day. The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms and unstable conditions, which is in effect from 2 PM to 8 PM PDT Tuesday.

Saturday, an Unmanned Aerial System flew the entire northern perimeter of the fire to identify heat signatures near containment lines.

At the northwest corner of the fire, crews focused on prepping the area around Sacandaga Campground to ensure it is secured. Brushing and prep work is continuing on the boundary between the Willamette National Forest and privately owned timber land.

Today, if conditions allow, firefighters may use strategic firing operations to connect unburned fingers of vegetation to reinforce the line along Forest Service Road 21 south to Forest Service Road 2153. Mastication work will continue southward, and heavy equipment is being used to reopen an old dozer line on the southeast corner of the fire.

Prep work along Forest Service Roads 2134 and 2136 is about 30 percent complete aided by fuel break work done along Forest Service Road 2136 during the 2022 Potter Fire and the 2024 Potter Fire. Forest Service Road 2137 is holding where fire has reached the roadway.

Using existing containment lines offers multiple benefits. The quicker indirect lines are in place the sooner ground resources can attack the fire as it approaches areas having the highest probability of control. Shaded fuel breaks lower the temperature of fuels on the ground, slowing the rate of fire spread and reducing fuel consumption. Reusing these existing treatments also protects the landscape by minimizing new soil disturbance.

WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to stay in the low 80s today. Hotter, drier weather with temperatures in the 90s is forecast to return starting Monday, with potential for dry thunderstorms midweek.

SAFETY: Help keep firefighters safe by avoiding the fire area! Archery, deer and elk hunters should be aware of fire-related closures impacting the Santiam (Unit 16), McKenzie (Unit 19), and Indigo (Unit 21) hunting areas. Hunters are encouraged to monitor conditions and seek hunting opportunities in other areas.

RESTRICTIONS & CLOSURES: Fire restrictions for the Willamette National Forest can be found HERE A closure order for the fire area can be viewed HERE

SMOKE: Smoke is not currently impacting the Willamette Valley. Smoke has been settling into nearby drainages overnight in communities immediately surrounding the fire area and lifting around midday. An air quality advisory is in place for Deschutes and Klamath counties, where smoke concentrations are heavier. Smoke and air quality information is available HERE

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KTVZ – News Team

(UPDATE: Interview with Deputy Fire Marshal, business owner)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, residents from around Central Oregon reported hearing a loud explosion. After numerous 911 calls, officials were attempting to locate the area of the incident when they received another call, reporting debris was being struck by vehicles on the Bend Parkway. 

When officials arrived on the scene at the Parkway, they discovered the debris was likely from the reported explosion. They were able to follow the materials strewn about to the location where the explosion occurred. 

The debris and explosion was found to be from Kercher Electric on NE Yale Ave in Bend, off of Division St., just before the Business 97 intersection. 

A shipping container located outside the Kercher Electric building had exploded, causing severe damage to two businesses in the area. In addition, four other businesses nearby sustained broken windows and experienced interior damage. 

Kercher Electric and Arbor Builders were tagged “Do Not Occupy” by City of Bend Building Department due to their structural damage. 

Fortunately, none of the businesses were occupied at the time of the explosion. 

Lindsay Cloud, owner of Velocity Property Management — located in the area — spoke with KTVZ News on the scene. 

“This morning I woke up to a bunch of texts and calls from people concerned. And then J.R. from Arbor called me and said we have a problem. And I rushed down. It’s very scary because we have people coming and going there all the time. And to think that our car or a person could have been right here. It’s very scary,” said Cloud. 

After investigating, officials released the cause of the explosion — an oxygen-acetylene welding setup inside a shipping container had leaked, causing the container to fill with extremely flammable vapors. A freezer was also inside the container and being powered by an extension cord. The electrical cord acted as an ignition source, leading to the explosion. 

Though many are grateful no one was hurt by the explosion, some are asking how this could happen. 

“Why wasn’t that monitored? I don’t know. It’s very scary,” stressed Cloud. 

KTVZ spoke with Deputy Fire Marshal with Bend Fire and Rescue, Cindy Kettering, on the scene. 

“This is not a criminal matter at all. There are no citations or charges being contemplated. This will be resolved between the insurance companies and the owners,” said Kettering. 

Kettering said part of the cause was due to the extension cord — meant to be used for temporary and small amounts of electricity — to power a large appliance. 

“You never want to have a power source or an ignition source in close proximity to a welding set up, any sort of flammable or combusted material needs clearance around it with flammable gases. They need clearance. They need to be stored away from direct sunlight, away from heat, away from ignition sources and the valves maintained in the off position,” warned Kettering. 

Kettering also described the explosion and shared her gratitude that no one was injured. 

“This was a large explosion. It took the box, which is a very sturdy structure, and sent portions of it over 30 yards away. There are sides and large pieces of metal that were shot over to neighboring buildings. It was a tremendous amount of force. It was very fortunate that it was an early hour where there were not people in the area,” said Kettering. 

Earlier story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire and Rescue says a leaking oxygen-acetylene welding setup inside a shipping container sparked the powerful explosion that significantly damaged two Bend businesses and caused damage to four others.

Full release from Bend Fire and Rescue below:

Early in the morning of Friday, August 29, 2025, multiple 911 callers across Bend reported hearing a loud explosion, but there was no identified location or source for the explosion.  A few minutes later, at 5:34 am, a 911 caller reported multiple cars striking debris on the Bend Parkway, with one of the vehicles sustaining a punctured fuel tank. 

Fire crews arrived on scene and were able to mitigate the fuel leak.  The source of the debris was found to be a large explosion that occurred at Kercher Electric, 132 NE Yale Avenue.  A shipping container located outside the business had exploded, resulting in several businesses in the area sustaining damage to windows, doors, and walls.  Two businesses, Kercher Electric and the neighboring Arbor Builders, sustained significant structural damage and were tagged “Do Not Occupy” by the City of Bend Building Department. 

A total of six businesses received some degree of damage as a result of the explosion.  All the businesses were unoccupied at the time of the explosion due to the early hour.  

Upon investigation, it was found that an oxygen-acetylene welding setup inside the shipping container leaked, causing the closed shipping container to fill with the highly flammable mixture of oxygen and acetylene.  There was also an upright freezer in use, powered by an extension cord running into the shipping container.  This energized equipment provided an ignition source for the flammable vapors, causing the subsequent explosion.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community to store flammable gases safely.  Gas cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, clear of any ignition sources, and secured upright to prevent tipping over. Always store cylinders with the valve in the “off” position.  For more safety information regarding compressed gases, visit the OSHA website at https://osha.oregon.gov/oshapubs/factsheets/fs09.pdf

Earlier Reporting:

An explosion early Friday morning was caused by a shipping container filled with welding equipment that leaked, resulting in a highly flammable mixture of oxygen and acetylene filling the container.

A shipping container filled Bend Fire and Rescue says a large shipping container exploded at 5:34AM this morning

According to Bend Fire and Rescue, major damage has been confirmed for two buildings and minor damage to a third. An official investigation is underway by Bend Fire and Rescue and the Bend Police Department.

Deputy Fire Marshall Sidney Kettering told KTVZ News the Oregon State Police Explosives Unit has been contacted and will arrive on scene today.

The explosion occurred near 2524 NE Division Street, across the street from Riverview Park.

This is a developing story and KTVZ will provide updates as they become available.

Update 7:30 a.m.

According to Pulse Point, an explosion occurred on NE Divison Street in Bend. KTVZ is on scene and working to learn if this is connected to a loud boom heard across town around 5:20 a.m. Friday.

Officials on scene told KTVZ News the cause is still under investigation but they believe the explosion occurred from a shipping container box. No injuries have been reported.

Original report:

The large boom was heard and felt during KTVZ News at Sunrise’s 5 a.m. broadcast. Our team is working to find out more information.

It is not yet confirmed if the two incidents are connected.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Juniper Elementary is celebrating a big milestone: its 60th anniversary.

The school, which first opened in 1965, welcomed families, staff, and alumni for a campus celebration featuring historic photos, old yearbooks, and the school’s original plaque.

That plaque still bears the school’s original name, Pilot Butte School, before it was later renamed to Juniper to avoid confusion with another nearby school.

The milestone was extra special for Principal Dan Wolnick, who marked his birthday during the event.

“It’s actually really fun for me because I was looking forward to doing this celebration here at Juniper.” said Principal Wolnick. “The fact that it landed on my birthday, same year. I’m just as old as the school.”

Wolnick is entering his 14th year leading the school.

The festivities doubled as an open house, giving new students and their families a chance to meet teachers and explore classrooms ahead of the new school year.

Juniper students head back to school next week on September 3rd.

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KTVZ – News Team

Deschutes County has earmarked $125,000 for fuel reduction grants aimed at helping local communities reduce wildfire risk. Residents can apply for grant funds beginning Sept. 1.

Since 2022, the County has allocated $425,000 in support of the Fall Fuel Reduction Grant program, which has funded 68 communities.

Grants are intended to help communities with specific, short-term projects that reduce fuels and improve defensible space. Typical grant awards range between $100 and $5,000.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

Equipment rental

Supplies for community work parties

Contracting fees for roadside chipping, fuel reduction or defensible space creation

Debris disposal fees

Note: The County discourages grant requests for regular, annual maintenance projects, such as pine needle raking and removal.

Online applications will be accepted starting Monday, Sept. 1 through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Preference will be given to communities or neighborhoods that are working toward, or have achieved, recognition as a Firewise USA™ site and are proposing projects consistent with their Firewise action plan and community assessment.

For more information about the County’s Fuel Reduction Grant Program and to fill out an online application, visit: www.deschutes.org/forester. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) applauds a significant investment that will help more households with low incomes pay their utility bills. In June, legislators passed House Bill 3792, doubling funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million. Governor Tina Kotek signed the bill, along with other energy affordability bills, into law yesterday.

“The biggest issue on people’s minds is the affordability of everyday life,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “These programs may not have broad name recognition but are a way OHCS helps people make ends meet through providing energy assistance payments. In an evolving economy, keeping families and communities stable, while creating opportunity, remains our priority.”

OEAP provides energy assistance to qualifying customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, based on household size and annual income. Since launching in 1999, OEAP has assisted more than 85,000 customers, helping 92% of participants to avoid energy shutoffs.

With the federal administration announcing potential cuts and elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers acted to shield residents from this instability by expanding the state-funded OEAP. LIHEAP, which provides grants and energy efficiency services to millions nationwide, has become a lifeline for families like Don’s.

Don, a father of six and a seasoned welder and pipefitter, never thought he’d need help to keep his lights on. After a traumatic head injury in March 2023 left him unable to work, Don’s finances deteriorated. “I always made good money,” he recalled. But after a long recovery, an electric bill exceeding $1,100 nearly pushed him over the edge.

Through his sister, Don found Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) and learned he qualified for LIHEAP. Initially skeptical, he was met with compassion and practical support. “They were like, ‘We’ll get you hooked up and see what we can do.’ And they did. More than once.”

Don’s story reflects thousands of households across the state relying on assistance to maintain basic utilities and stability. From Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, more than 59,100 households received LIHEAP funds.

Community action agencies and local partners providing these programs are facing more demand with fewer resources. Without sustained funding, vulnerable Oregonians could face utility shutoffs.

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Harley Coldiron

He thanked the Central Oregon community and told KTVZ News he is moving to Wyoming to join the leadership team for the Cheyenne Frontier Days – the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After six years of leading the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Director Geoff Hines is departing to join the leadership team for the Cheyenne Frontier Days, which is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.

Geoff is leaving for Wyoming with fond memories and gratitude for the relationships he’s built over the years, “It has truly been an honor to lead this amazing facility and work alongside such talented staff, a dedicated Fair Board, strong County leadership, and the supportive Central Oregon community, ” he said to KTVZ News.

A post on the website GovernmentJobs.com shows his former position is posted for applicants.

During his time overseeing the center, the County Fair has seen consistent growth over the years, and the venue itself has to one of the most visited in the Pacific Northwest. It now hosts the Overland EXPO and the FairWell Festival. Both of which bring in tens of thousands of new visitors than before. The FairWell Festival alone hosts 20,000-30,000 people.

Like any venue, the Fair and Expo Center has seen issues at times. During the inaugural year of the FairWell Festival, concertgoers told KTVZ News it took them up to 3 hours to get home after the concert. The next two events did not see the same widespread issues after officials created parking passes, added campgrounds and exit routes, increased traffic staff, and created a park-and-ride service.

Geoff also led the Fair and Expo Center through its toughest time period ever – the COVID-19 pandemic. Local and state regulations aimed at deterring the spread of the virus made planning and operations prolonged and time-consuming, while attendance at events hit an all-time low. After a vaccine was produced, the center also became the hub for thousands to get their shots.

The 6-year Director says he was proud to build community partnerships and bring nearly 1 million visitors to the area each year, and looks forward to rooting on the center from a distance, “From Wyoming, I’ll be paying attention and cheering on Deschutes County Fair & Expo every step of the way.”

Hinds says leaving the Deschutes County Fairgrounds is a bittersweet experince, and says it’s one of the best jobs he’s ever had “… It’s truly a tremendous job.” He said, “We have the opportunity to to to to make life better for so many people in so many different ways because we do so many things, whether it’s those kids showing the animals as part of our youth livestock shows, it’s the many fundraisers we do where hundreds of thousands of dollars are generated, for important community events here, on the property or the over $100 million in economic impact, that we provide to the community annually. It’s really an honor to be a part of that.”

Besides the perks and prestige Hinds will have working at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, this move will bring him closer to his wife and family in Wyoming.

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Lynsey Harris

CRESCENT, Ore. (KTVZ) — The commercial harvest season for Matsutake mushrooms on the Deschutes National Forest runs Sept. 2 through Nov. 3. Permits are required and cost $200 for the full season, $100 for a half-season, or $8 per day with a three-day minimum. Harvesters must be 18 or older and carry both a permit and harvest area map.

Picking is banned in areas like Crater Lake National Park, Newberry Volcanic Monument, Wilderness areas, and developed recreation sites. A free campground for harvesters is open at Little Odell Industrial Camp near Crescent Lake.

The Crescent Ranger District will accept cash only for permits on opening day, Sept. 2. For details, call 541-433-3200.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With technology quickly advancing, schools are having to adjust, adapt, and evolve to the digital world by implementing technology into curriculum.

“We recognize that kids are growing up in a digital world. It is not going to go away. And so what’s really important for us is to teach them the skills to use it correctly,” says Karen Rush, Executive Director of Elementary Programs with Bend La Pine Schools.

Bend La Pine Schools is one example of integrating technology use as part of the learning toolkit for students. 

Rush said, “it’s a great supplement to teaching, but it’s not going to replace it. So what we really try to focus on in our educational technology use is finding great resources that help kids learn and demonstrate their learning.“

The primary focus? Digital literacy and digital responsibility. 

Digital literacy is “like making sure that kids know the technology and know how to use it and when to use it,” Karen rush explained. She continued, saying digital responsibility, “is really helping kids to understand what are the strengths of technology, what are the limitations, and how do you just be a really good citizen in a digital world?”

A hot topic with regard to tech use in schools is AI.

“We have to teach students how to use it,” Rush explained. She continued, “but ethics are first and foremost.”

She says teaching students about AI gives them an understanding of what it’s limitations are.

Rush explains the “limitations that we directly teach students is bias, accuracy, originality of your work and the privacy of your work.”

Bend La Pine Schools tells KTVZ with AI and technology advancing so quickly, they’re doing their best to evolve with it. 

“This August, all of our teaching staff are getting two hours of training in use of AI to make their work more effective and help them, personalized learning for students,” Rush tells KTVZ News.

Bend La Pine Schools is also implementing an AI statement on student syllabi that will describe appropriate uses of the technology.

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KTVZ – News Team

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Ochoco Lake in Crook County due to elevated microcystin levels.

The agency says people should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present.

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous, and children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to the toxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore.

Read the full press release below:

“Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Ochoco Lake due to elevated microcystin levels. The lake is in Crook County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Ochoco Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend is preparing for a major expansion of its Outback Water Facility—an estimated $50 million project aimed at keeping up with the city’s rapid growth and ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for years to come.  Bend’s dual-source water system pulls from the Upper Deschutes Basin, serving not only city residents but also regional needs like irrigation and in-stream flows.

City officials say the Outback site is critical to the entire system—and expansion is no longer optional.  The project would add: • New pretreatment systems to improve water quality • Additional reservoirs and wells • In-conduit hydroelectric generation • A wildfire water fill station • Security upgrades to meet federal standards  To make it possible, Bend is also working to acquire 48 acres of nearby Deschutes National Forest land through the Townsite Act. 

The City’s Principal Engineer, Brittany Barker said, the expansion project has been, and will continue to be, a lengthy process as the plan looks to sustain what we see in 50, even 100 years. As to when the expansion project will break ground? Barker said:  

“We’re hopeful in that 12-to-18-month period that we can work with a design team and a contractor and start developing those plans and getting ready to hit the ground as soon as we get the paperwork signed, then if we’re able to start construction right away, it would probably be a two-year long construction duration until everything’s operational. I’d say, we’re looking at maybe three years, best case scenario.” 

Who pays for it?  The City is aggressively pursuing outside funding, including FEMA support, state and federal grants, and loans. But officials are warning that if full funding doesn’t come through, residents may see higher water bills to help cover the cost. 

City leaders say the expansion is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about protecting the community’s water supply against future demand, environmental pressures, and wildfire risks.  City council members agree that, growth isn’t slowing down, and neither is the need for reliable water. This investment ensures Bend has the infrastructure it needs, but that local leadership is doing everything possible to limit the cost to ratepayers.

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