What's Happening?
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has energized 1,000 miles of underground powerlines, a move supported by nearly 90% of Californians according to a recent poll. The poll indicates strong public
preference for undergrounding powerlines as a wildfire mitigation strategy over other methods like installing covered conductors or implementing proactive outages. Despite this public support, PG&E's plans face challenges from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which is considering guidelines that could impact the company's ability to implement a multi-year undergrounding plan. More than 30 local governments and energy companies have urged the CPUC to revise these guidelines to facilitate more undergrounding efforts. The CPUC is scheduled to vote on these guidelines on November 20.
Why It's Important?
The undergrounding of powerlines is seen as a critical measure to reduce wildfire risks in California, a state that has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years. The strong public support for this initiative underscores the urgency and importance of adopting effective wildfire mitigation strategies. However, the regulatory challenges faced by PG&E highlight the complexities involved in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects. The outcome of the CPUC's vote could significantly impact PG&E's ability to execute its undergrounding plans, which are crucial for enhancing the safety and reliability of California's energy infrastructure.
What's Next?
The CPUC's upcoming vote on the guidelines will be a pivotal moment for PG&E and other energy companies in California. If the guidelines are adopted as currently drafted, PG&E may face significant obstacles in its long-term planning efforts. The decision will likely influence future investments in undergrounding projects and could prompt further advocacy from local governments and energy companies to support these initiatives. The outcome will also affect PG&E's strategic planning and its ability to meet public expectations for wildfire risk reduction.
