#USA #Oakland #Pacific Gas and Electric #wildfire safety #Underground Powerlines

Californians Strongly Support Undergrounding Powerlines

In a significant public endorsement, nearly 90% of Californians believe that burying powerlines is crucial for reducing the wildfire risks associated with above-ground infrastructure. This sentiment was highlighted in a recent survey conducted by David Binder Research, following Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)'s announcement of energizing its 1,000th mile of underground powerlines. The results illuminate a widespread preference for undergrounding over alternative, less effective methods of wildfire mitigation.

The poll results reveal that a vast majority of respondents not only support the burying of powerlines but also advocate for increased investment in this approach. Over 70% of those surveyed expressed that PG&E should prioritize undergrounding powerlines as part of their long-term wildfire safety strategy rather than relying on cost-saving measures like installing protective conductor coverings or implementing proactive power outages to prevent potential ignitions.

Peter Kenny, Senior Vice President of Electric Operations at PG&E, emphasized the reliability and safety benefits of undergrounding. He stated, "While we employ multiple strategies to ensure community safety, these findings underscore how Californians recognize the comprehensive risk mitigations that underground powerlines provide. By reducing wildfire risks, undergrounding has the potential to safeguard essential facilities, including schools, hospitals, and fire stations, from weather-induced outages."

The push for undergrounding comes at a critical point in California's energy landscape, where state regulators are contemplating guidelines that will shape the multi-year undergrounding strategies mandated by the Legislature. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is in the process of evaluating these guidelines, which, if adopted in their current form, could present formidable obstacles to PG&E's plans for expanding underground powerline installations.

In anticipation of these challenges, over 30 local governments and businesses have advocated for amendments to the proposed guidelines to enhance support for undergrounding initiatives. As PG&E and other energy companies work on their long-term plans, the strong public backing for undergrounding poses a critical opportunity for changing regulatory approaches. The CPUC is expected to cast votes on the new guidelines in an upcoming meeting on November 20.

For California residents, the importance of wildfire safety cannot be overstated, especially in a state that has faced devastating fires exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather conditions. As the community voices its overwhelming support for undergrounding, it is clear that the public is ready for decisive action to minimize wildfire risks.

For more information about PG&E's ongoing efforts to enhance wildfire safety, residents can visit PGE Wildfire Safety Progress.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company operates as part of PG&E Corporation and is a major utility provider in Northern and Central California. They serve over 16 million customers across an extensive area of 70,000 square miles, delivering essential gas and electric services. To learn more, visit pge.com and access their news resources.