HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF DISCUSSION (2)Agenda Item: 18
DATE: November 12, 2019
SUBJECT: PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF DISCUSSION
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Kenneth W. Striplin
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
Beginning in October 2019, multiple investor -owned utility companies in California, including
Southern California Edison, de -energized electric facilities during elevated weather conditions.
Utility companies express that the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are to reduce the
risk of electrical infrastructure sparking a wildfire during strong wind and high temperature
conditions. However, PSPS events have caused many unintended consequences, including the
loss of power at homes, schools, and businesses for extended periods of time, causing dangerous
conditions for many residents, and an adverse economic impact for businesses.
Locally, many residents in Santa Clarita and the surrounding unincorporated areas have
experienced PSPS events during evacuation orders due to wildfires. The power disruptions
during evacuation orders placed many residents in severe danger, as the lack of electricity
resulted in significant barriers to access internet, cellular, and landline service to stay up-to-date
with evacuation orders and wildfire conditions.
As of October 1, 2019, the City of Santa Clarita (City) has experienced seven days of PSPS
events, including the de-energization of seven electrical circuits. On October 30, 2019,
approximately 10,527 households in the City experienced a power disruption due to a PSPS
event. The estimated average duration of the PSPS event that affected City residents on
October 30, 2019, was approximately 24 hours.
At the recommendation of the Public Utility Commission of the State of California (CPUC)
Safety and Enforcement Division, the CPUC will consider opening an investigation of the 2019
PSPS events at a special meeting on November 13, 2019. If approved by the CPUC, the
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investigation will review whether investor -owned electric utility companies prioritized safety and
complied with CPUC regulations and requirements with respect to their October 2019 PSPS
events.
The CPUC is accepting public comments related to their consideration to order an investigation
at their special meeting on November 13, 2019.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action requires no additional resources beyond those already
contained within the adopted FY 2019-20 budget.
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