CPUC Letter from Mayors and Council Members in Contra Costa County

November 1, 2023
wildfire prevention 5 volunteers on woody hill WCCFSC 20250118

To: CPUC, PG&E 

From: Mayors and Council Members in Contra Costa County 

Dear California Public Utilities Commissioners and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 

This is a petition for the Undergrounding of High Voltage Transmission Lines in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones 

As the elected representatives of the communities within Contra Costa County, we write to you with a unified voice and a shared commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our constituents. Our county is home to areas classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), and we bear the collective responsibility of seeking and implementing effective safety measures. 

It has come to our attention that the California Public Utilities Commission has recently approved a rate hike, which will result in an average increase of $400 per household annually, with the intention of funding the undergrounding of 2,000 miles of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) power lines. This decision underscores the urgency and the importance of protecting our communities from the devastating impacts of wildfires. 

In light of this development, we, the undersigned mayors and council members of Contra Costa County, strongly advocate for the prioritization of undergrounding high voltage transmission lines within our VHFHSZ. The history of wildfires in California has repeatedly shown the dangers posed by the PG&E high voltage transmission lines and towers, and we believe that with the CPUC’s recent funding approval, now is the time to act on this critical preventive measure. 

The benefits of undergrounding power lines are clear: reduced risk of wildfire ignition, decreased maintenance costs, fewer service interruptions, and enhanced community aesthetics. We recognize the significant investment and collaboration required for such an undertaking, but the cost of inaction far outweighs the initial expense. We are prepared to support this initiative and work in partnership with CPUC and PG&E to safeguard our communities. 

We urge the CPUC and PG&E to align this significant infrastructure investment with the immediate needs of our communities in Contra Costa County. By doing so, we can make meaningful progress towards our state and regional goals of improving fire safety and creating a more resilient and secure energy infrastructure. 

Thank you for considering this urgent request. We anticipate a positive response and are eager to engage in further dialogue regarding the actions necessary to advance this essential project. 

Sincerely, 

Contra Costa County Mayors and Council Members (CMS) 

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