"A Battle for Water Rights: PG&E's Impact on Nimshew Rd Residents"

Strategic Insights -

Residents of Nimshew Rd in California are facing a severe crisis as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) plans to permanently shut off the Centerville Canal, a water source that has been relied upon by the community for centuries. The residents, led by Donna Bristol, have submitted a protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) citing the devastating impact of this decision on their daily lives and property.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E's plan to shut off the Centerville Canal will cause irreparable damage to the lives and property of Nimshew Rd residents, including the loss of wells, orchards, and yards.
  • The residents have been in a battle with PG&E for water rights since 2015, with the company refusing to repair and maintain the Butte Canal, which is a critical water source for the area.
  • The shutdown of the hydro plants at Butte Creek has resulted in high energy costs for the residents of Butte County and California.
  • PG&E has ignored the California State Legislature's recognition of the human right to water, codified in Assembly Bill 685, which guarantees safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water for all Californians.
  • The company has failed to maintain the canal, with many residents receiving water only after three months of waiting during the previous shut-off.
  • PG&E has been accused of theft of water rights, poor leadership, and corruption, with the company prioritizing profits over customer welfare.
  • The residents are demanding that PG&E take responsibility for the canal and maintain it properly, rather than expecting them to build new wells or pay for water services.

Statistics:

  • Since 2015, PG&E has shut off the canal for extended periods, including June, July, and August of that year, resulting in significant financial losses for the residents.
  • The NG&E rate hike in 2023 will further penalize the residents of Nimshew Rd, who are already struggling to access clean water.
  • The company has added 80 Vice Presidents, making it a "financially top-heavy business" and increasing its costs unnecessarily.

Sources:

  • Assembly Bill 685
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
  • California State Legislature
  • Del Oro Water
  • Camp Fire
  • 14th Amendment