SDG&E to deploy "cut and run" strategy for fires: They cut your power and you run for your life
UCAN News
SDG&E's new plan: "cut and run"
They cut your power while you run for your life
In October 2007, the Rice, Guejito and Witch Creek fires burned 1,300 homes and killed two people. All of the fires were caused by SDG&E's shoddily maintained power lines. Those aren't our words - that's the conclusion of a comprehensive 2008 State of California report on how SDG&E is responsible for the fires. It should be noted that the report is so damning that SDG&E fought hard to suppress its publication by telling SDG&E employees not to talk to fire investigators.*
Now, SDG&E is fighting for the right to cut power to the back country during times of high fire risk. SDG&E's plan is to shut off power to residents, hospitals, law enforcement, schools, nursing homes, traffic lights and fire departments during high winds and Santa Ana conditions. SDG&E is doing this to protect itself from legal liability.
UCAN's Executive Director, Michael Shames, thinks the plan reeks of blue smoke. In today's San Diego Union-Tribune, he was quoted as saying: "The shutoff practice might backfire because people without power might resort to generators, which are significant fire risks ... the plan is in no way acceptable or prudent.”
UCAN's solution is to enable all SDG&E customers in the back country to have access to low-cost or no-cost solar power so that if SDG&E shuts off its distribution grid during extreme fire conditions, those customers won't be forced to abandon their homes or function in the dark. As a result of new solar financing options, SDG&E could spend less than $4 million to enable all 40,000 effected customers to install solar arrays at their residences and businesses. Customers would pay no more than they are currently paying SDG&E, as the savings from the PV arrays would be used to pay off the installation over 15 years.
This proposal was made to SDG&E last year and we have yet to hear back from the company as to whether and why this solution is not workable. But you can be sure that the moment when SDG&E tries to start shutting off power, it'll be challenged by UCAN.
* A copy of the SDG&E report is attached to this page in PDF format in the event the State of California removes it from its Website.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| MGRA_Cal_Fire_Report_Main_Doct__Final,_final[1][1].pdf | 597.32 KB |
Tags: abandoned - back country - burned - cut power - fire - high wind - monopoly - SDG&E - SDG&E electric shutoff - SDG&E Greed - Sempra - violate charter -
Post to Twitter
Like what you see? Go ahead and show your support! UCAN is a truly independent non-profit watchdog organization, dependent on grassroots donations like yours!
Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
Terms and Conditions
UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be: a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
That said, get to digging on the site, inform yourself, speak your mind, and earn Watchdog Bones! This is YOUR site, and we mean it. So comment on any of the content, discuss the latest issues in the forums, file a complaint on a company with the Fraud Squad, and generally cut loose.
See our Terms of Use, Privacy, and Copyright complaint policies as well as our Content Reuse Policy, Some Rights Reserved. Remember, if you have any questions about copyright law or need legal information regarding intellectual property, the internet, or new technologies, visit our affiliate New Media Rights at www.newmediarights.org. If you are in the San Diego region, you can also can apply to use New Media Rights' multimedia studio and equipment for free.
Post new comment