Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Group Wants Public Hearings On SDG&E Wildfire Costs

Group Wants Public Hearings On SDG&E Wildfire Costs
A citizen's watchdog group wants regulators to hold public hearings on San Diego Gas & Electric's request for customers to foot the bill for wildfire costs that its insurance companies won't cover.

A citizen's watchdog group wants regulators to hold public hearings on San Diego Gas & Electric's request for customers to foot the bill for wildfire costs that its insurance companies won't cover.

SDG&E filed paper work with the California Public Utilities Commission more than two years ago asking that ratepayers cover uninsured expenses of future wildfires. Last month, the company inserted a line asking that the request also include uninsured costs from the 07 fires. Some of those fires were started by SDG&E's own lines.

Diane Conklin, a spokeswoman with the watchdog group Mussey Grade Road Alliance, called SDG&E's insertion of that line a ploy.

Advertisement

"I would characterize it as bait and switch and unconscionable," Conklin said. "What SDG&E is saying is we're not going to worry about whether our system is safe enough for you. We're going to ask you to pay for uninsured wildfire costs forever."

SDG&E spokeswoman Stephanie Donovan said the company doesn't oppose public hearing on the matter.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.