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Electric utilities

AT&T Urges California Public Utilities Commission to Clarify and Implement "Accountability" Measures in PG&E's Undergrounding Proposal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

California's Public Utilities Commission is considering the proposed undergrounding of Pacific Gas and Electric's overhead lines for wildfire mitigation purposes. In a recent submission, AT&T Corporation urged the Commission to clarify and implement "accountability" measures in PG&E's undergrounding proposal, citing concerns about the massive uncertainty surrounding the project's feasibility and costs.

The Commission had proposed recovery for PG&E's undergrounding costs, but AT&T argued that this would not be justified, especially considering that PG&E has not been undergrounding all of its lines. According to PG&E's own statements, the company has only undergrounded its primary lines and secondary/service lines running parallel to the primary line, with plans to evaluate the undergrounding of lateral secondary and service lines in the future. AT&T stressed that this limited undergrounding effort does not mitigate the issues with undergrounding lateral service lines, which are likely to add significant cost and time to any undergrounding project.

To address these concerns, AT&T recommended the inclusion of certain "accountability" measures in any final order that approves recovery for undergrounding. These measures would ensure that the Commission has oversight of PG&E's undergrounding efforts and reduce the costs and service impacts that broadband and communications providers could face.

Key Takeaways:

  • AT&T urged the California Public Utilities Commission to clarify and implement "accountability" measures in PG&E's undergrounding proposal, citing concerns about the massive uncertainty surrounding the project's feasibility and costs.
  • PG&E has only undergrounded its primary lines and secondary/service lines running parallel to the primary line, with plans to evaluate the undergrounding of lateral secondary and service lines in the future.
  • AT&T stressed that this limited undergrounding effort does not mitigate the issues with undergrounding lateral service lines, which are likely to add significant cost and time to any undergrounding project.
  • AT&T recommended the inclusion of certain "accountability" measures in any final order that approves recovery for undergrounding, including the submission of cost per mile and risk reduction data for all undergrounding projects in the previous two years and an annual System Hardening Accountability Report Advice Letter with the Commission's Safety Policy Division.
  • The Commission had proposed recovery for PG&E's undergrounding costs, but AT&T argued that this would not be justified, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding the project.
  • The "accountability" measures recommended by AT&T would help ensure that PG&E is achieving sufficient system hardening results in the most cost-effective manner.

Statistics:

  • PG&E has undergrounded 73 miles in 2021 and 180 miles in 2022, with plans to complete 350 miles in 2023.
  • AT&T has submitted its Opening Comments on the Proposed Decisions dated October 3, 2023.
  • The California Public Utilities Commission is considering the proposed undergrounding of Pacific Gas and Electric's overhead lines for wildfire mitigation purposes.
  • The Commission had proposed recovery for PG&E's undergrounding costs, but AT&T argued that this would not be justified, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding the project.

Sources:

  • Comments of Pacific Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T California (U 1001 C) Regarding Proposed Decisions dated October 3, 2023.
  • Public Utilities Code SS 311.
  • Rules of Practice and Procedure of the California Public Utilities Commission, Rule 14.3.
  • AT&T Opening Comments on PDs dated October 3, 2023.
  • Opening Testimony of Zaffar Iqbal (June 13, 2022).
  • AC PD at 251, n.771.
  • ALJ PD at 252, n.772.

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