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Public utilities

Investigation into Public Safety Power Shutoff Events in 2019

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The California Public Utilities Commission has initiated an investigation into the 2019 public safety power shutoff events that affected various parts of the state. The investigation is aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of these events, which resulted in widespread power outages and economic losses. The commission has served Southern California Edison Company with a response to the application for rehearing of decision D.21-06-014 by the Acton Town Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation is focused on the public safety power shutoff events that occurred in 2019, which were caused by high winds and dry conditions that created a high risk of wildfires.
  • The investigation is being led by the California Public Utilities Commission, with the participation of several stakeholders, including utility companies, local governments, and consumer advocacy groups.
  • The investigation aims to identify the root causes of the power shutoffs, assess the economic and environmental impacts, and develop recommendations for preventing similar events in the future.
  • Key witnesses and parties involved in the investigation include Southern California Edison Company, Acton Town Council, Liberty Utilities (CalPeco Electric) LLC, Golden State Water Company, Bear Valley Electric Service Division, and others.
  • The investigation is ongoing and is expected to result in a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations for the utility industry and policymakers.

Statistics:

  • The 2019 public safety power shutoff events affected over 2.5 million utility customers across the state, resulting in economic losses estimated at over $1 billion.
  • The shutoffs lasted for several days, with the longest outage lasting up to 10 days in some areas.
  • High winds and dry conditions were the primary causes of the power shutoffs, with wind gusts reaching up to 100 mph and temperatures soaring to 100°F.
  • The investigation has identified several critical issues that contributed to the power shutoffs, including inadequate planning, communication, and outage management practices.

Sources:

  • California Public Utilities Commission. (2021). Response to the Application for Rehearing of Decision D.21-06-014 by the Acton Town Council. Retrieved from http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M393/K926/393926100.PDF
  • California Public Utilities Commission. (2021). Service Lists for Proceeding I1911013 - CPUC - OII. Retrieved from https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/servicelists/I1911013_87397.htm.

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