CPUC Opens Formal Probe of SDG&E’s Role in 2007 Wildfires

As a November Santa Ana sets up in Southern California, the California Public Utilities Commission opened a formal investigation into whether San Diego Gas & Electric violated requirements covering its facilities that may have led to three major wildfires in 2007. The November 12 move came after the commission decided last week to review the adequacy of its own safety regulations governing electrical lines. (Circuit, November 7, 2008). In addition to investigating SDG&E, the commission also is investigating Cox Cable television for possible involvement in one fire. The probe comes amid lawsuits by residents and the San Diego city attorney seeking recovery for damages suffered in the wildfires. A CPUC administrative law judge will hold an opening hearing December 8 on the investigation. The investigation should be completed in one year and could lead to “monetary fines” for the utility, said Andrew Kotch, CPUC spokesperson. Under CPUC authority, the penalties could range from $500 to $20,000 for each violation. Any penalties could mount for each day over which the violations continued. That could include, for instance, fines for each day power lines may have been operated without required clearance. The CPUC’s latest move comes after its Consumer Protection and Safety Division in September implicated SDG&E in three separate fires (Circuit, Sept. 5, 2008). The CPUC report echoed the findings of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, CAL FIRE, released in summer. In its formal investigation, the CPUC said it plans to probe the role of SDG&E in the Witch Fire, which burned 197,990 acres, killed two civilians, and injured 40 firefighters. That fire also burned down 1,141 homes, 509 outbuildings, and 239 vehicles. The CPUC also plans to examine any SDG&E connection to the Guejito Fire, which merged with the massive Witch fire and damaged an additional 75 homes and 25 outbuildings. Also at issue in the probe, is the smaller 9,472 acre Rice Fire, which burned down 206 homes, two commercial properties, and 40 outbuildings. SDG&E could not be reached for comment on the formal investigation.

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CPUC Opens Formal Probe of SDG&E’s Role in 2007 Wildfires

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