The California Public Utilities Commissio (CPUC) finally put SDG&E's backcountry shut-off plan to rest by rejecting the proposal. But their decision wasn't as clear-cut as it seems on the surface. In their oral remarks justifying the decision, many of the Commissioners asserted that SDG&E already had the legal authority to shut off power to the backcountry. SDG&E seized upon these comments in its press release issued after the decision. SDG&E CEO Debra Reed is quoted as saying:
"While we are disappointed in today's ruling on the shut-off component of our overall community fire safety program, it's important to point out that the CPUC reaffirmed SDG&E's statutory authority and responsibility to operate our system safely."
So, is the shut-off monster really vanquished? Ask Godzilla. Ask Jason. Ask Paris Hilton. It may be in hiding, but when when the Santa Ana winds blow, this monster may awaken in an entirely different guise. Get the rest of the story.
