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by Laura Cyphert
East County Community Action Coalition
April 21, 2009 (Lakeside)--The SDG&E power shut off plan is currently under review by the California Public Utilities Commission. On the surface, it may at first sound like a logical idea. After all, SDG&E admits to starting over 167 fires just since 2003. However, careful examination reveals numerous compelling arguments as to why this shut off plan will put San Diego at even greater risk for firestorms; including the loss of water and communication systems during a time when there is an increased likelihood that we will need water and communication systems due to fires.
To make matters worse, SDG&E is advocating that backcountry residents purchase generators to use during power outages. Imagine the fire danger if thousands of backcountry residents are firing up their gas powered generators during the most extreme weather conditions; at times when they are not even supposed to be using lawn mowers.
A careful look at SDG&Es application reveals, what I believe, is the real motivation behind this plan. The SDG&E plan, if approved, would also amend Tariff Rule 14, which will reduce SDG&E’s liability. This means that SDG&E would have even less financial incentive to properly maintain its lines.
Recent testimony by an investigator "whistle-blower" states that it was improper maintenance of SDG&E’s powerlines that caused several of our recent firestorms.
Instead of reducing liability, I believe we should be holding SDG&E more responsible for properly maintaining their lines.
If one takes a step back and looks at the even bigger picture, one can see how our current system gives power companies an incentive to build new transmission lines (like Sunrise) while reducing the incentive to maintain lines, thereby causing fires.
The Sunrise Powerlink is a 1.9 Billion dollar cost-plus contract; which means that SDG&E will be reimbursed for all of its costs, plus a guaranteed profit, just for building the line (even if never used or needed). These costs are passed on to ratepayers as rate increases.
Maintenance costs, however, are not revenue generating. These are expenses which hurt the bottom line. Therefore, SDG&E naturally wants to build more powerlines, and do less maintenance. If legal liability is reduced, they will have even less incentive to maintain existing lines.
Talk about a perfect Firestorm.
The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
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