ALJ/TIM/jt2 Date of Issuance 9/18/2009
Decision 09-09-030 September 10, 2009
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Application of San Diego Gas & Electric Company for Review of its Proactive De-Energization Measures and Approval of Proposed Tariff Revisions (U902E). |
Application 08-12-021 (Filed December 22, 2008) |
DECISION DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY'S APPLICATION TO SHUT OFF POWER DURING PERIODS OF HIGH FIRE DANGER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
DECISION DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY'S APPLICATION TO SHUT OFF POWER DURING PERIODS OF HIGH FIRE DANGER 2
1. Summary of Decision 2
2. Summary of SDG&E's Application 2
3. Procedural Background and Chronology 3
4. Summary of Parties' Positions 7
5. Commission Jurisdiction and Standard of Review 7
6. Summary of SDG&E's Community Fire Safety Program 9
6.1. Hardening of Facilities 9
6.2. Power Line Re-Closers 10
6.3. Inspection of Overhead Power Lines 11
6.4. Vegetation Management 12
6.5. Staging Personnel 12
6.6. Emergency Power Shut-Off Plan 12
6.6.1. Power Shut-Off Criteria 12
6.6.2. Re-Energization of Power Lines 15
6.6.3. Power Shut-Off Areas 15
6.6.4. Number of Affected People and Customers 16
6.6.5. Customer Education 18
6.6.6. Customer Notice of Power Shut-Off Events 20
6.6.7. Mitigation of Adverse Impacts on Customers 21
6.6.8. Cost of the Power Shut-Off Plan 23
7. Review of SDG&E's Power Shut-Off Plan 24
7.1. Position of the Parties 24
7.2. Discussion 41
8. Electric Tariff Rule 14 63
8.1. Position of the Parties 64
8.2. Discussion 65
9. Proceeding Category and Need for Hearings 66
10. Comments on the Alternate Proposed Decision 66
11. Assignment of the Proceeding 67
Findings of Fact 67
Conclusions of Law 69
ORDER 70
Appendix A: Map of the 2009 Power Shut-Off Areas
DECISION DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY'S APPLICATION TO SHUT OFF POWER DURING PERIODS OF HIGH FIRE DANGER
1. Summary of Decision
This decision denies, without prejudice, San Diego Gas & Electric Company's (SDG&E) application to shut off power to certain areas when hazardous fire conditions are present. SDG&E has not met its burden to demonstrate that the benefits of shutting off power outweigh the significant costs, burdens, and risks that would be imposed on customers and communities in the areas where power is shut off.
Today's decision directs SDG&E to make a good faith effort to develop a comprehensive fire prevention program in collaboration with all stakeholders. Parties are encouraged to use the Commission's Alternative Dispute Resolution process for this purpose. The agreed-upon fire prevention program must be based on a cost-benefit analysis that demonstrates (1) the program will result in a net reduction in wildfire ignitions, and (2) the benefits of the program outweigh any costs, burdens, or risks the program imposes on customers and communities.
