SUPERVISOR JACOB ASKS CPUC TO OPPOSE SDG&E’S WILDFIRE COST-RECOVERY "SCHEME"

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December 6, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--County Supervisor Dianne Jacob is again asking the California Public Utilities Commission to reject an attempt by San Diego Gas & Electric to bill its customers for the uninsured cost of the region’s 2007 wildfires and any future wildfire caused by the utility.

“I remain outraged at SDG&E’s incessant attempt to slap ratepayers with a massive invoice for the 2007 wildfires that scorched hundreds of thousands of acres in rural San Diego County,” Jacob wrote today in a letter to CPUC President Michael Peevey. “The notion that SDG&E cannot afford the costs of these fires is nonsense.”

Her full letter to Peevey is below. The 2007 firestorms were among the biggest and deadliest in county history and were largely triggered by SDG&E power lines. Click here for more on the supervisor’s long-standing opposition to the plan.

________________

 

November 28, 2012

Michael R. Peevey, President

California Public Utilities Commission

505 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco, CA  94102

Dear President Peevey:

As Supervisor representing the Second District for the County of San Diego and the area that was most devastated by the 2007 wildfires, I’m writing today to express my full support of the Administrative Law Judge’s recommendation to deny the application by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for a Wildfire Expense Balancing Account.  I appreciate the opportunity to comment at this time.

I remain outraged at SDG&E’s incessant attempt to slap ratepayers with a massive invoice for the 2007 wildfires that scorched hundreds of thousands of acres in rural San Diego County.  While those flames may be extinguished, the memories are not.  The fact remains – SDG&E’s negligence caused the Witch, Guijito and Rice fires.  Today, I ask you to not let them burn us again. 

Sempra Energy and SDG&E continue to make healthy profits and last year dished out hefty bonuses to their top executives.  Yet, they still have the audacity to seek permission to have ratepayers to pick up the tab for their negligence.  The notion that SDGE cannot afford the costs of these fires is nonsense.

To make matters worse, SDG&E wants ratepayers to pay for any future negligence.  SDG&E has recently been whistling the tune that they want to make this region safer from fire.  Approval of a Wildfire Expense Balancing Account would encourage SDG&E to do the opposite.

SDG&E needs to be held accountable for their past and future actions and the safety of their system.  I respectfully request that you send that message by supporting the ALJ’s Proposed Outcome (44 – Item 11654).  Thank you in advance for your full consideration. 

Sincerely,

DIANNE JACOB

Supervisor, Second District

cc:        Mr. Michel Peter Florio, Commissioner, CPUC

            Mr. Timothy Alan Simon, Commissioner, CPUC       

            Ms. Catherine J.K. Sandoval, Commissioner, CPUC

            Mr. Mark J. Ferron, Commissioner, CPUC


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