SD supes vote against utility’s power shutoff plan
SD supes vote against utility’s power shutoff plan
23 June 2009
published by www.mercurynews.com
USA —
San Diego County supervisors are urging the state not to allow the shutoff of power to eastern parts of the county during dry and windy conditions to protect against wildfires.
The board voted Tuesday against San Diego Gas and Electric Co.’s shutoff plan, recommending that the state Public Utilities Commission reject it.
Board chair Dianne Jacob said cutting power would risk life and property and the plan “is not worth the gamble.”
SDG&E published a report in March that said power lines and other equipment problems have started nearly 170 fires in the past 5 1/2 years.
The company first suggested cutting off power across much of the county last year after it was sued for allowing its power lines to ignite wildfires that killed two people and destroyed more than 1,000 homes.
