As wildfire season looms and Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPS) are likely, on Thursday the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted additional and modified measures on how utilities are to conduct PSPS events going forward. Given the unacceptable execution of the broad-based de-energization events in 2019, including the lack of coordination with local governments, these new and improved requirements are designed to facilitate more localized planning and communication and to minimize the harms associated with PSPS events, especially on vulnerable populations.
Among the new requirements are:
- Ensuring utilities better address community needs, such as convening quarterly regional working groups and advisory boards, as well as conducting tabletop exercises to better execute PSPS events; and
- Minimizing the scope, duration, and impact of PSPS events by ensuring critical infrastructure remains operational (such as back-up generation), that electric service is restored within 24 hours of a weather all-clear, and to finalize Community Resource Center plans in consultation with local communities to ensure the needs of impacted customer are met.
The Phase 2 Decision can be accessed here, and RCRC’s comments can be viewed here. RCRC has also requested, along with other local government stakeholders, that the CPUC issue an emergency order setting PSPS protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic; that motion can be viewed here.