CPUC SETS UP TOLL-FREE HOTLINE FOR SUNRISE POWERLINK INQUIRIES—DIRECTS COMPLAINTS TO A PRIVATE CONTRACTOR

September 15, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –The California Public Utilities Commission is now directing the public to send complaints about Sunrise Powerlink to a private consulting group, meaning complaint records would presumably not be disclosable to the media or to the public.

Sharmin Self on the Alpine Community Planning Group suggests that anyone who files a complaint/inquiry with Aspen, the consulting firm to the CPUC, also send her a copy, so that it will be a public record (unlike complaints to SDG&E or the CPUC consultant contacts, which are private and not disclosable).

Her e-mail is sharmin.self@alpinecpg.org.  Violation complaints on flights, with photos/videos or links to them may also be sent to the Federal Aviation Adminstration at James.D.McNamara@faa.gov, as well as to Self and to the CPUC contacts listed below.

ECM has contacted Terrie Prosper, media contact at the CPUC to ask that an mail address to the CPUC be added for complaints, so that all records will be accessible through a public records request.  We will post updates once received.

Numerous residents in Alpine, Lakeside and other East County communities have repeatedly complainted of alleged violations by SDG&E, including flying helicopters too close to homes, obstructing access routes and engaging in construction activities. SDG&E has contended its activities are legal.  
 

Below is the press release sent by the CPUC:

CPUC SETS UP TOLL-FREE LINE FOR CONSUMERS WITH INQUIRIES ABOUT SUNRISE POWERLINK

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has established a toll-free contact number and email address for consumers with questions about the Sunrise Powerlink transmission line, which is under construction through Imperial and San Diego Counties by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).

The public can direct questions or express concerns to the CPUC as construction of the project progresses using the following methods:

* Toll-free project phone: 866-711-3106 (to send a fax or leave a voicemail)
* Project email address: sunrise@aspeneg.com
 

Because the Sunrise Powerlink project was approved and construction is being monitored by the CPUC, these contact points are the best sources for answers to questions and responses to concerns. Neighbors and community members are highly encouraged to use the toll-free phone line or project email address to reach a CPUC representative who can answer inquiries regarding the project in general, specific project construction issues, and the construction schedule. Contacting the CPUC directly will expedite a response. When an inquiry is received, the consumer will be contacted by phone or return email. Contacting local officials, who typically must forward such inquiries to the CPUC, will generally result in a delayed response.

SDG&E also maintains a public affairs unit that responds to questions and inquiries. If a member of the public prefers to contact SDG&E directly, the following contact information may be used:

Project email address: sunrisepowerlink@sdge.com
Toll-free project phone: 877-775-6818

Consumers are encouraged to contact either the CPUC or SDG&E when questions or issues regarding the Sunrise Powerlink arise.

For information on the Sunrise Powerlink project, please visit: www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/aspen/sunrise/sunrise.htm.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov