ALJ/BDP/avs DRAFT Agenda ID #3776
8/19/2004 Item 48
Decision ___________________
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Ronald E. and Linda L. Scarberry, Complainants, vs. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Defendant. |
(ECP) (Filed April 13, 2004) |
OPINION DENYING REQUEST
FOR UNDERGROUNDING
The Commission denies the request of Ronald E. and Linda L. Scarberry (Complainants), that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) be ordered to underground its overhead electric facilities that were relocated as part of a street widening project along Academy Avenue, in Sanger, California. For purposes of the project, the County of Fresno (County) acquired an easement over Complainants' land, which is part of a residential subdivision. In a 1990 Resolution approving the subdivision, the County expressly adopted the findings for Improvement Standard exceptions permitting overhead utilities along Academy Avenue. The Resolution also adopts requirements that all new utilities in the subdivision be placed underground.
Complainants argue that PG&E's relocated facilities are "new" and should be placed underground since the land on which the easement exists is owned by Complainants and is part of the subdivision to which the undergrounding requirements apply.
Today's decision finds that the undergrounding requirements for utilities in the subdivision do not apply to this project, which is not a new line but a relocation of an existing line. If undergrounding is desired, then an underground district should be created pursuant to PG&E's Electric Tariff Rule 20 - Replacement of Overhead with Underground Electric Facilities. This proceeding is closed.
Background
Due to a street widening project undertaken by the County, PG&E was requested to relocate approximately 4.5 miles of overhead electric facilities located along Academy Avenue. PG&E relocated some of its facilities in an easement obtained by the County from Complainants, who own land alongside Academy Avenue.
