HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/08/04 Item 14
RESOLUTION NO. 2009
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA EXPRESSING ITS SUPPORT FOR SAt"!
DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC'S EMERGENCY POWER
Sf-ruT-OFF PLAt"! MID ENCOURAGING THE
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO
APPROVE THE PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE
CITIZENS OF CHULA VISTA
WHEREAS, both devastating wildfires in San Diego County in October 2003 and
October 2007 created a tremendous hardship for local, regional, and state firefighting resources;
and
WHEREAS, the wildfires of 2003 and 2007 originated in the rural backcountry of San
Diego County and spread rapidly to the west into more populated areas of the City Of Chula
Vista; and
WHEREAS, the evacuation of several hundred thousand residents of San Diego County
was required at the time of the wildfires, as well as the deployment of the majority of the City Of
Chula Vista's Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to ensure that new fire safety recommendations are implemented
each year, Governor Schwarzenneger established a Blue Ribbon Task Force on June 29, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, the Task Force recognizes the critical role of timely emergency notification
of the public of imminent threats and recommends that local governments prioritize the
development of appropriate early warning systems to address the needs of their communities;
and
WHEREAS, with the annual fire season approaching, the City Of Chula Vista reviews
existing and new fire safety policies and procedures annually in an effort to prepare for and
properly respond to wildfires; and
WHEREAS, San Diego Gas & Electric's Emergency Power Shut-Off Plan ("Plan") is a
new fire safety option that would temporarily disconnect electricity service in areas of San Diego
County where extreme fire and weather conditions create a high risk of wildfires; and
WHEREAS, the Plan would only be used as a last resort to prevent catastrophic fires
whcn all five of the following conditions are met: moisture level in "non-living" fuel is ten
percent or less; moisture level in "live" fuel is seventy-five percent or less; relative humidity is
twenty percent or less; the National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning; localized
wind speeds are sustained at 35 mph or 55 mph gusts or greater with 30mph sustained winds;
and
WHEREAS, San Diego Gas & Electric, as part of the Plan, is committed to working with
stakeholders to minimize the impact of any power outage by providing backup generators,
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opening community care centers, and coordinating with fire, law enforcement,
telecommunications companies, and the County Office of Emergency Services; and
WHEREAS, while Chula Vista may be entering another fire season during serious
drought conditions, it is important for the City to consider all options for preventing fires and
allocating resources to protect Chula Vistans;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chula
Vista hereby expresses its support for San Diego Gas & Electric's Emergency Power Shut-Off
Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City Of Chula Vista
encourages the California Public Utilities Commission to approve this plan for the safety of the
citizens of Chula Vista.
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Steve Castaneda
City Councilmember
Appfoved as t
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Presented by
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Application of SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC)
COMPANY for Review of its Proactive De- )
Energization Measures and Approval of Proposed)
Tariff Revisions )
(U 902-E) )
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Available at www.cpuc.com
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTllJTIES COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORI'IIA
Application No. 08-12-021
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SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPAt'lY (U 902-E)
INFORMATIONAL FILING [N RESPONSE TO SCOPING MEMO
March 13,2009
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LISA G. URICK
KEITH W. MEL VILLE
Attorneys for:
SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC
COMPANY
10 I Ash Street
Post Office Box 183 I
San Diego, California 92112
(619) 699-5070 (Urick)
(6 I 9) 699-5039 (Melvi!!e)
(619) 699-5027 facsimile
Lurick02semora.com
Kmelville@sempra.com
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BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COiVLvIlSSION
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
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Application of SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC)
COMPANY for Review of its Proactive De- )
Energization Measures and Approval of Proposed)
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(U 902-E) )
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Application No. 08-12-021
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SA!'" DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COi.YIPA.l'YY (U 902-E)
INFORMATIONAL FILING IN RESPONSE TO SCOPING MEMO
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Pursuant to the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the California Public Utilities
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Commission ("CPUC"), including Rule 1.11, and the February 26, 2009 Scoping Memo
issued in the above-entitled proceeding, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E)
has prepared its verified "Informational Filing" (see, Scoping Memo, pp. 11-13). A
notice of availability ofthis document is being served on all parties in the service list to
this proceeding (due to its file size). This Informational Filing will also be posted on
SDG&E's web page where it can be viewed by all customers or other interested persons.
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INTRODUCTION
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In accordance with the Scoping Memo issued in A.08-12-021, San Diego Gas & Electric
Company provides the California Public Utilities Commission with the following
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Informational Filing, which responds to the questions posed in the Seoping i'viemo and
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provides additional background and context related to improving fire safety and
preparedness.
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SDG&E's Emergency Power Shut-Off plan (known formerly as proactive de-
energization), is part ofSDG&E's Community Fire Safety Program, which is intended to
improve fire safety within SDG&E's service territory. The intent of this new program is
to eliminate a potential ignition source during extreme weather conditions when fire risks
are high.
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San Diego is not alone in experiencing the impacts of significant changes in climactic
conditions and increased risk oflarge wildfires like those 'experienced in Southern
California in 2003 and 2007. Other parts of California, the United States and other
countries throughout the world are experiencing similar raging fires that are fueled by dry
vegetation, drought conditions and wind. The recent wildfires in Australia are yet
another example that has the scientific community closely watching to better understand
the impact climate has on weather, drought and wildfires. SDG&E began a
comprehensive effort to address fire safety issues for our customers given these
circumstances.
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California has been in near-drought conditions for the past eight to ten years, and the fire
agencies have declared that the "fire season" is now virtually year-round. The Governor
last month proclaimed a state of emergency due to water shortages and noted that
continuing drought conditions increase the risk of devastating fires.' This proclamation
is consistent with the Governor's Executive Order S-06-08 issued in 2008, which
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declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions, and noted the extreme fire
danger in California.'
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According to a study by scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the
University of California, San Diego, wildfires appear to be connected to natural cycles
and may be part of a chain of reaction to climate change, Further, a report by the
California Climate Change Center predicts that large scale wildfires in California could
increase by 55% in this century due to changes in temperature and precipitation3 These
conditions are real, impact our quality of life and require a steadfast commitment to
safety for the entire community.
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SDG&E's Community Fire Safety Program is a broad-based effort to educate the public
and implement measures to improve fire safety in oLlr region. Key elements of the
1 http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/l1557!
~ http://goy.ca.gov lexecuti ve-order/9797/
3 "Our Changing Climate"; California Climate Change Center; 2006;
http://www.energy.ca.gov/2006pub lieati ons/CEC- 5 00-2006-077 ICEC- 500- 2006-077.PD F
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Community Fire Safety Program include; (I) strengthening selected overhead power lines
well beyond normal standards by replacing many wood poles with stccl; (2) expanding
inspections of overhead facilities, both on the ground and in the air; (3) disabling
automatic switches that would normally restore power automatically after an outage; (4)
restoring power only after a safety inspection; (5) enhanced vegetation management; (6)
staging crews for quicker response; (7) proactively turning off power for safety reasons;
(8) utilization of the Emergency Operations Center during emergency power shut-offs;
and, (9) communicating with customers throughout the year on safety and preparing for
potential power emergencies: among other actions.
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SDG&E is also working with the Commission by examining a number of other statewide
safety improvements as part of the Electric Safety OIR, R.08-11-005. SDG&E believes
that this proceeding should result in rule changes intended to improve safety in the design
and operation of the electric system, address pole overloading concerns, and vegetation
management policy. Feedback in this proceeding from other utilities, telecommunication
providers: fire agencies and other stakeholders is vital to the overall success to improve
safety and complements SDG&E's Application for the Emergency Power Shut Off plan.
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The Emergency Power Shut Off plan was initiated to improve safety for all customers by
proactively turning off power lines during extreme weather conditions for customers who
live in hazardous fire areas when fire risks are high to eliminate a potential ignition
source. [t is during these critical times that wildfires have the ability to rapidly spread
and lorce the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. Because this is a new
program, SDG&E recognizes that, through the Application process, workshops, public
input, community open houses and agency consultation, suggestions may arise that could
change the plan. SDG&E welcomes any suggestion that would improve the safety of the
electric system, enhance communication with customers and reduce restoration times
without compromising safety.
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Moreover, conditions in the external environment (e.g., weather, drought, brush
overgrowth, housing location and construction) are factors that could intluence the size
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and scope of the plan. SDG&E intends to provide an annual update to customers - and to
the Commission - of the Emergency Power Shut Off map, add more weather stations for
more precise data collection, consult with fire agencies and other emergency responders
and communicate with customers on an ongoing basis. SDG&E's earlier interim
estimates indicated that the number of customers potentially impacted by the plan range
between approximately 45,000 and 60,000 customers. SDG&E's current estimate of
potentially affected customers is approximately 60,000 or about 4 percent ofSDG&E's
1.4 million customers. SDG&E will firm up this estimate on April 3, 2009, consistent
with the Commission's adopted schedule for this proceeding.
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The approximate number of potentially affected customers may increase in the future if
the area involving weather-related and fire hazard conditions expands as determined by
CAL FIRE or other fire protection agencies. However, it is important to point out that
only a fraction (approximately 8,000 - 10,000) of the customers who could be affected
would actually be shut off in any given year, event or in any proactive outage. Power
would only be shut offto customers within a localized area where the risk of fire is
determined to be high by CAL FIRE or other fire protection agencies. While the plan
will be in effect year-round, SDG&E anticipates the impact to be over a period offour to
six months out of the year, during the highest risk fire season.
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SDG&E has continued to refine its plan, in consultation with fire and weather experts.
We are continually refining our criteria based on these consultations. Since the initial
filing in December 2008, an adjustment has been made to the fine fuel moisture trigger to
provide a more appropriate level of safety and will include a measurement that is less
than or equal to 10%. In addition, it should be noted that the Remote Automated Weather
Station (RAWS) wind speed data is adjusted by approximately 15% to account for the
fact that RAWS data is measured at six meters above ground level and SDG&E's triggers
are selected to correspond to higher wind speeds experienced at the approximate height
of its facilities, (ten meters). This value also provides a more accurate representation of
the weather conditions impacting our facilities and provides for a more appropriate level
of safety. SDG&E's plans to install additional weather stations and RA WS stations will
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provide greater accuracy and capture historical data that will benefit the plan, the
National Weather Service, fire fighting agencies and the public.
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With respect to the overall cost of implementing the Emergency Power Shut Off plan,
SDG&E anticipates the cost for implementing the 2009 plan will be funded through
operational efficiencies and does not require SDG&E to seek additional funding for
implementing the 2009 plan. The estimated costs of this plan are modest compared to the
fire-fighting costs and estimated property damage experienced during the wildfires in
2007.
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SDG&E's 4,100 square mile service territory, which covers San Diego and southern
Orange counties, encompasses vast undeveloped areas including national forests, state
parks, open space habitat, county parks and private land. These areas are relatively close
10 heavily populated urban and suburban areas making the greater San Diego region
vulnerable to wildfires. Open space areas historically have provided opportunities for
catastrophic wildfires to start from any number of causes such as lightning, campfires and
motorized equipment and rapidly spread to concentrated residential areas with little
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warning.
For decades, federal, state and local fire agencies have been successful in controlling and
extinguishing the majority of fires in the region. Yet, when climate and fllel conditions
are extreme, wind-driven wildfires can become uncontrollable, such as those that
devastated Southem California in 2003 and 2007 and have recently ravaged parts of
Australia. Fires such as these are difficult to SlOp until they run out offuel or the winds
die down, or both. Over the past decade, wildfires in San Diego County alone have
impacted lives, caused billions of dollars in damage, strained fire-lighting resources and
damaged the environment. Both the 2003 and 2007 wildfires caused widespread power
outages that left clIstomers without power for several days. fn some cases, due to
extensive d~mage to the electric system, people living in the most remote and rugged
areas were without electricity for weeks before the power delivery system could be
rebuilt.
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In the San Diego region, Santa Ana winds are a regular occurrence in the fall and early
winter. These strong, dry, offshore winds are endemic to this region and provide an
environment for rapidly spreading fires. Such winds historically have led to some of
southern California's largest and most damaging fires. The Commission, SDG&E and all
customers should take every necessary precaution to reduce potential ignition sources and
have emergency plans in place.
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SDG&E representatives have met with public agencies, firefighting agencies, emergency
responders, CAL FIRE, the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, the
American Red Cross and customers to solicit feedback and address concerns about the
plan and the impact of a potential power outage. The Application process is providing an
additional venue where issues concerning special-needs customers, water reliability,
schools and others are addressed.
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Starting in 2008, SDG&E has met numerous times with the impacted water utilities,
communications companies, schools aod other essential use customers. These efforts
have been in addition to the outreach efforts provided to the general group of customers.
SDG&E stands ready to work with water utilities, communications providers, schools
and other customers affected by the Community Fire Safety Program on a one-on-one
basis.
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SDG&E is particularly concerned with special needs customers and is committed to
meeting their needs by providing medical transportation service, establishing customer
care centers, and providing modest financial aid to cope with an Emergency Power Shut-
Off event. SDG&E is also very concerned with schools and will discuss with the school
districts options to address their needs, including the safety of children. SDG&E will
work with water agencies; communication companies and fire fighting agencies to
identifY facilities of greatest importance and assess their needs as well.
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With respect to the telecommunication providers, SDG&E is aware that
telecommunications service (wire, wireless, Internet) is a vital part of an overall
emergency preparedness plan for customers and critical to San Diego County's
AlertSanDiego program that utilizes reverse 9-1-1 in an emergency. SDG&E
representatives first met with telecommunication providers last fall to advise them of the
program and shared historical weather related data and mapping information. SDG&E
also developed notification protocols that would give telecommunication providers
advanced warning of a potential power outage at their critical facilities so that they can
respond to a power emergency.
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The three technical workshops scheduled in March and the additional workshop in April
should provide a productive venue for vetting potential solutions before the Emergency
Power Shut-Off plan is implemented September I, 2009. Public participation hearings in
April will also provide feedback which will be considered.
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As an additional communication tool, individual customers, such as residential
customers, can identify which weather stations would impact their account by entering
their address on the interactive map available on SDG&E's website
(www.sdge.com/tireprepl) or by calling SDG&E's Customer Contact Center (1-800-411-
SDGE (7343). Tne website also allows customers to monitor for themselves the
conditions at each ofthe weather stations that could impact their service.
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As noted above, SDG&E is taking a wide variety of steps to maintain the safety of its
electric power system. A power delivery system, particularly those portions located in
dry, windy areas is vulnerable to extreme fire weather conditions. SDG&E believes that
limited power outages on an infrequent basis in high-risk areas, triggered only under
extreme weather and fuel conditions and after taking other precautionary steps, are a far
less costly outcome than widespread damage to private property, local infrastructure and
the electrical transmission and distribution systems. The Emergency Power Shut Off
plan as part of SDG&E's broader Community Fire Safety Program is vitally important to
the health, safety and welfare of our community.
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SDG&E'S COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN THE REGION
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A ~ Sempra Energy utiml
To help prevent future wild fires in the region, SDG&E may activate the Emergency Power Shut-Off Plan (EPSO)
during the most extreme weather conditions. We do not expect these conditions to happen more than once or twice
a year, and the power outages would affect 70,000 customers or less. But emergencies can also happen at
anytime and SDG&E is prepared to help our region's emergency readiness, no mailer what disaster strikes.
Customer service and safety are paramount, especially when the lights go out. To help customers prepare for a
power outage and improve the region's overall preparedness, SDG&E is doing and will provide a number of
community benefits and customer assistance programs at a cost of up to $40 million or more as part of the EPSO
plan, conditioned upon regulatory approval.
Helpinq Customers With Special Needs - $1.7 to $3.5 million
. Community Care Centers with .the American Red Cross - will be opened before, during and after an
EPSO event to provide food, water, back up power and timely information on when power will be restored
and help people during a power outage.
. Transportation for Medically Sensitive Customers - to and from a location at no charge during an
EPSO event.
. Financial Assistance - valued up to a $250 debit card for all low income and medically sensitive
customers impacted by an EPSO event.
. Enhanced Customer Outreach - to the disabled community including San Diego Regional Center, San
Diego Center for the Blind and Deaf Community Service plus implementing new text communication for the
hearing impaired.
Emerqencv Generators for San Dieqo County - $6.5 Million
. Emergency Generators for Critical Water Facilities - SDG&E is committed to providing a back up
emergency generator pool that includes 6 large generators and pre-wiring of transfer switches at 20 critical
sites to support rural water districts in the County.
. Emergency Generators for San Diego County Schools - SDG&E is committed to providing a back up
emergency generator pool that includes 15 portable generators and pre-wiring of transfer switches at all
schools located within the EPSO area.
Electric Infrastructure Improvements - $30 million
. Installing Over 140 Advanced Technology "PulseCloser" Switches - in the mountain and inland
regions to detect outages, enhance safety and help restore power faster.
. Lilac Transmission Enhancements in North County - to reduce customer impacts, improve reliability
and help maintain service at critical water facilities in the Valley Center area of North County.
. Replacing Wood Poles with Steel Poles - in high fire risk areas to improve reliability and maintenance
(cost not included).
. Borrego Springs Emergency Generator - will provide additional reliability to.the community in the event
of a loss of power to SDG&E's transmission line that feeds the area.
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SDG&E'S COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN THE REGION
. Expanded Inspections and Tree Trimming - to improve safety and reduce the risk of fire.
Enhanced Reqional Fire Fiqhtinq Capability
. High Capacity Helicopter - SDG&E is purchasing a high lift capability helicopter for construction of the
Sunrise Powerlink starting in 2010. The helicopter will be equipped with fire fighting capability which can be
deployed under cooperative agreements in coordination with fire fighting agencies, County of San Diego
and others.
Coordination With Other First Responders
. Communication and Coordination are Critical- and SDG&E is committed to communicating and
coordinating with the County of San Diego, fire fighting agencies, law enforcement and communication
companies' and other emergency responders.
. Mapping and Weather Station Information - will be provided in advance to ensure other first responders
are ready before an emergency or loss of power occurs.
. Enhanced Notification - so that first responders, including communication companies have the ability to
respond faster to any emergency or EPSG event.
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About the Community Fire Safety Program
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Overview
SDG&E is taking a number of steps to improve safety and reduce the potential for fires during the
high risk fire season in San Diego County and south Orange County. Catastrophic wildfires fanned
by the seasonal Santa Ana winds are becoming more common in the region due to the extremely
dry conditions caused by a prolonged drought in Southern California. After consulting with Cal-
Fire and other fire-fighting agencies, law enforcement and others, we have made several changes
to our facilities, operations, and procedures.
Key Elements of the Program to Improve Safety
1. Increased inspections, vegetation management & tree trimming
2. Enhancing the electric system
3. Disable automatic switches
4. Staging crews during Red Flag Warnings
5. Expanded customer outreach & preparedness
6. Emergency Power Shut Off
In response to a request from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), SDG&E filed an
application in 2008 outlining the emergency shut-off plan. The proposed shut-off plan
would potentially affect about 4 percent of SDG&E's 1.4 million customers, most of who live in
eastern San Diego County.
Under the plan, power lines would be turned off only when five extraordinary weather conditions,
measured by the National Weather Service and fire-fighting agencies, occur at the same time.
We do not expect these conditions to happen more than once or twice a year, and the power
outages would affect 10,000 customers or less. If ordered to restore power for safety reasons,
we will do so after checking for safety. The Commission is expected to make a decision on the
plan in August 2009, before the start of fire season.
Helping Our Customers
To help prepare our customers, SDG&E with the American Red Cross will open Community Care
Centers to provide food, water and vital information. SDG&E has offered to provide generators to
schools, water facilities as well as assisting communication companies. For customers with
special needs, financial assistance will be provided and transportation will be offered to
customers with medical needs.
Safety is our top priority, not only during the fire season but year-round as well. Our mission in
the area of fire safety and preparedness is to be ready when fire potential is high, while still
delivering safe and reliable energy.
v.1.71009
If/! -/if
Donna Norris
Page 1 of 4
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Sam.Attisha@cox.com
Monday, August 03,20095:24 PM
Cheryl Cox; Rudy Ramirez; Steve Castaneda; Pamela Bensoussan, John McCann
Jim Sandoval; Bart Miesleld; Donna Norris; Michael Meacham; EstherNorthrup@cox.com;
Joe.Gabaldon@cox.com; Ileana.Ovalle@cox.com; MyMy.Lu@cox.com
Subject: City Council Agenda Item 14A, August 4,2009 - Request Opposition
Attachments: image006 gil; image005.emz; image004.gil; image003.emz; image002.jpg; image001.jpg;
image008.emz; image010.emz
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
August 3, 2009
The Honorable Mayor Cox and Council Members:
City of Chula Vista
276 Fourth Avenue MS A-IOO
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Re: City Council Agenda ltem 14A, August 4, 2009 - Rcquest Opposition
Dear Mayor Cox and Council Members:
This lel1er is submitled on behalf of the San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, (the "School
Districts") a coalition of Water Districts within San Diego County, back country residcnts, consumer groups and
communications service providers opposing the proposed resolution by the Council of the City of Chula Vista
("City Council") to support San Diego Gas & Electric's ("SDG&E") proposed power shut-off plan ("Plan").
SDG&E's Plan is couched as a fire prevcntion measure: however, SDG&E has presented no evidence that
its Plan reduces the overall risk of fire. The Plan addresses only one fire ignition source - power lines - which
according to Cal Fire account for the ignition of only 3% of wildfires in the alTected area. In the event a fire
ignites from another ignition source, which accounts for 97% of wildfires in the affected area, SDG&E's Plan
leaves the affected community especially vulnerable and will inhibit the community's ability to effectively
respond to an emergency~ as discussed in more detail below.
While the undersigned support sound efforts aimed at reducing the risk of firc. SDG&E has not shown
that its Plan will do so. Rather, SDG&E's proposal would subject San Diego County residents to new and
unnecessary safety risks while seeking to insulatc SDG&E from any liability that results. Contrary to its claims,
SDG&E will not provide advance notice of specific shut-offs, because SDG&E will shut olT power immediately
\vhen the environmental triggers are met.
Notably. the Plan would not shut off power in the Chula Vista, but rather, in othcr parts of San Diego
County. Thus, the most significant of the Plan's negative impacts will not be felt by City residents. We have
detailed thcse new risks and the burdens SDG&E's Plan would place on others in the California Public Utilities
Commission proceeding reviewing the plan. This letter highlights only a few of the numerous and extensive risks
and burdens SDG&E's plan would create.
8/4/2009
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For these reasons, we strongly urge the City Council to oppose the Plan.
School Districts. The Plan would impose serious risks on schoolchildren and teachers.
For example. a shut off could prevent School Districts from contacting emcrgency services or a parent if any
student were injured. School Districts may not receive emergency wamillgs~ thus hindering their ability to protect
schoolchildren and teachers. Without power. school facilities could not be used safely as shelters during
emergencies.
Thc Plan also threatens the School Districts' funding at a time when it is needed most. Average daily
attendance funding ("ADA"), which is awarded on a per child attendance basis and provides the bulk of School
Districts' funding, would be reduced when schoolchildren are sent home during a shut-off.
'Vater Districts. The \~later Districts require thirty-nine new generators to ensure critical pump systems
provide water service during a shut off to' 200,000 County residents and the firefightcrs that protect them. Yet,
SDG&E has agreed to provide only six generators.
Moreover, SDG&E will not guarantee actual notice to the Water Districts, or any othcr entity, prior to de-
energizing. Rather than commit to providing actual notice, SDG&E has informed the Water Districts that they
should monitor SDG&E's website for indications that the shut-off triggers have been met.
Disability Rights Advocates. People with disahilities are at particular risk ifSDG&E shuts off power on
its own initiative in the absence of an actual emergency for several reasons. including their disproportionate
reliance on telecommunications to live an independent life and specialized needs for a consistcnt power supply.
For example, if SDG&E pro-actively tums the powcr ofT, people with disabilities will be unable to obtain
news coverage that would infonm them of the need to evacuate in the event of an actual emergency. Additionally,
they may be rendered unable 10 contact caregivers, family members or friends for assistance in evacuating.
Further, they may not be able to maintain particular conditions necessary to accommodate their disabilities. such
as kccping medicine refrigcrated or a consistent power supply for life support equipment.
Community Groups. Community groups arc concerned not only by the prospect of the loss of
convenience and productivity that a potential or actual shut-off would cause, but also with the fact that a shut-off
poses its own risks to life, health and safety. In particular, as the eycs and ears of the back-country it is usually
backcountry residents who call in to report fires and such rapid reporting is critical to firefightcrs successfully
putting out backcountry fires before they spread. If SDG&E turns off the powcr, it will necessarily disrupt
communications services and water services, which means fires will likely burn longer and farther prior to
firefighters arriving.
In addition, without power, back country residents will be required to utilize thousands of barbecue grills,
candles and gas-powered generators - many of which may be possibly ill-maintained -- to compensate for the loss
of power. Each ofthese is a potential ignition source.
Just as problematic, while it acknowledges that the existence of 35 mph winds will be the criteria that
triggers an automatic power shut off. SDG&E has admitted that it included this relatively low wind speed in its
proposed shut-off criteria in order to facilitate fire suppression efforts and not to reduce the risk of fires started by
power lines.
Communications Providers. Communications providers provide critical services -tclevision~ high
speed Internet and both ]andline and wireless telephone services - that the County of San Diego, City of Chula
Vista and residential and business customers throughout San Diego County heavily relied upon during the 2007
fires and will need to rely upon during future fires. Public safety agencies rely on these services for planning. for
dissemination of information to the public and, importantly, to evacuate people during emergencies.
Indeed, the proposed draft Resolution notes that Govemor Schwarzenegger's Blue Ribbon Task Force has
emphasized the "critical role of timely emergency l1otification~~ and recommends that "local government prioritize
the development of appropriate early warning systems." Additionally, San Diego COllnty's report on the 2007
8/4/2009
Page 3 of 4
fires concluded that communications systems were critical to the successful distribution of information
about the fires and the evacuation of over 500,000 people. For example, the rcport statcs:
. An estimated 515,000 county residents were evacuated through the use of the Reverse 911 and
AlertSanDiego mass-notification systems. This was the largest single fire evacuation in U.S. history;
. 211 San Diego answered approximately 109,000 calls and assisted with providing timely and
accurate information; and
. The www.sdcoulltvemcrgency.com website received approximately 10 million visits during the fires.
San Diego County uses Reverse 911 in conjunction with emergency alert systems (EAS) messages, which certain
communication providers are required by law to distribute.
As such, access to communications services is absolutely critical during an emergency situation.
Communications providers have back-up power in place to handle typical power outages, and they follow
business continuity plans during emergencies to help maintain their communication services. However,
SDG&E's shut offs would be so' long that they would exceed the back-up power capabilities of certain
telecommunications equipment, including cell sites, and thus likely would cause wireline and wireless
communications to fail or be interrupted. Interruption of wireless communication could be particularly harmful as
it is often the only means of communication for Ileeing residents. Without power at their homes, impacted
residents could not watch television because power is needed for a television to work; they could not access the
Internet because power is needed for a computer and a modem to work: and they could not place or receive calls
on a cordless telephone.
The Plan.
Under the Plan, SDG&E would automatically and unilaterally turn off power in certain areas when five
pre-determined conditions exist, regardless of whether a fire has already started. Once off, power would remain
out for twelve to seventy-two hours, thus leaving communities without power in the event a fire is started from a
source other than power lines.
The Plan is not well-developed. For example, SDG&E indicatcd earlier this year that it would rely on the
San Diego County OES to provide notice of a possible shut-off. But San Diego County rejected that idea and
determined it would not enter into a memorandum of understanding with SDG&E with respect to the Plan.
Indeed, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors recognized the significant deficiencies with SDG&E's Plan
when it recently voted 4 - 0 to oppose it.
The Undersigned Recommend That The City Council Oppose The Plan.
The undersigned are not suggesting that power should never be shut off for public safety reasons. Indeed,
there may be times when, based on the given situation, power may need to be shut off. Howevcr, based on the
record the California Public Utilities Commission has developed on this application, SDG&E has not shown that
the Plan would reduce fires or enhancc public safety. SDG&E has not dcveloped its plan in consultation with
affected governmental agencies. SDG&E has not substantively considered and responded to the needs and
concerns of other stake holders. SDG&E has, however, requested that it bear no responsibility or liability for the
consequences of its shut-offs.
For all the above reasons we respectfully request that the City Council oppose the Plan.
Sincerely,
(';
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,0~' K. Jlft~
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7Jff
8/4/2009
Page 4 of 4
Sam A ttisha
Cox, Vice Presidcnt, Government Affairs
& Business Development
Ignacio De La Torre
A T&T, Executive Director, External Affairs
.on behalfofthc following:
San Diego County Supcrintendent of Schools
Valley Center Municipal Water District
Ramona Municipal Water District
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Fallbrook Public Utility District
Rainbow Municipal Water District
Yuima Municipal Water District
Disability Rights Advocates
Utility Consumer's Action Network
AT&T
California Cable & Telecommunications Assoc.
Cox Communications
CTIA - The Wireless Association
Mussey Grade Road Alliance
Time Warner Cable
cc: James D. Sandoval, City Manager
Bart Miesfeld, City Attorney
Donna Norris, City Clerk
Michael Meacham, Director, Conservation & Environmental Services Dept.
Sam Attisha
Vice President-Business Development & External Affairs
Cox
Diamond View Tower
350 10th Avenue, Suite 600
San Diego, CA 92101
619-266-5653 direct
858-245-7325 cell
619-266-5600 fax
sam.attisha@cox.com
~
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8/4/2009
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A Plan to Improve Power Line
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Community Fire Safety Program
July 27, 2009
@2Q09Ban Diego Gas & Electric Company. A I copyright and trademark rights reserved.
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,'Population'
Los Angeles
10 million
Orange
3 million
San Diego
3 million
4,060
790
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$542 million
$475 million
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Sources: San Diego Institute for Policy Research: How San Diego's Investment in Fire Protection Stacks Up
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Challenges
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Saturday_ August 1, 2009
Fire officials prepare to scale back operations
Lawmakers shijied $2 billion in local property tax to state
By Michael Gardner
U-T SACRAMENTO BUREAU
Gov. Arnuld Schwarzel1~ggcT and Illwmakcrs
arc horrowing lllllllCY from Il)(:::11 firefighters.
even with 1lllnther catnstrnphic inferno just n
lightning strike or errant match away.
Across San Diego County. many fire district
officials say they will have to raid reserves lW
scale back IlnllClllC'"gcncy services to cover the
property laX losses, \vhich could cUIllUlali\"ely
reach intu the milliolls.
111 .Juliall. volullIccr firefighters prohllbly will
have to gu Hm?tllL'f year without a check of $5
pCI' reSIXlllSC h) cover gas.
In Fallhrook. sOllie I1re prevention and pllh-
lic ..o-dllcmiun progr:tI1IS are l(l h..o- trimmed.
In Ramona, ironically, officials will lose a
large share of the moncy thc local district no\\/
lIses to pay its conrract with Cal Fire, the slate's
tirelighting agency
Stakwidr.: and loculi\', lire orlicitlls arc quick
to I te the' have t. ken' steps to nuke 'lire pub-
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lie S.ardy is not compn)miseu.
"\\'c will still allack. \Ve will still respond.
But the whole system is stressed:' said Alameda
COI1IllY Fire Chicf Shddon Gilbert, president of
the Calittxni" Fire Chiefs Association.
To help dose a $24 hillion deficit, Schwar-
zt:ncgger alltllawrnake~ shifted $2 hillion in
local property tax funds to the state's account.
Under a voter-approved baHot IlleaSllre. the
money must Ix: l.ctunled with interest of up to 6
percent by June 30. 20 I 3.
"f.k didn't crller irHo tllis lightly,'. said H.D.
Palmer, a spnk<.:sman fo]' the governor's Depart-
melll of Finance.
Also, new hudget-related legislmioll gave
dislricts without adequate reserves the ahility
to takc nut H loan using tht: stale's repaYllIent
re'-luircment as cullateml.
"\\'e won't 110rrow:' said Kevin Dubiel', chief
of .Iuli:tJl-CuYlIlllaca Fir..: Protection District,
echoing other chiefs. "That just puts everybody
further h. "
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Hunlest-hit will be districts that heavily rely
on property taxes Bnd llse most of th:lt money
[f) pay eal Fire, There arc also independem lire
districts thaI raisL' n..'VeI1\IL' thnlugh a c(lInbilw-
tioll of property taxes and homeowner fees.
Both tl.lllicipate tl loss of roughly X percent in
property la.\: revenue.
Cal Fin.: contracts with 144 fire di~tricts,
including six in San Diego County.
"II will definitely affect everybody:' said .lOll
Torchia, deputy chief of the North County Fire
Protectillt] Di:"lrict irl Fallh]"ook.
T()fcllia said his district will have to get by
un about S I million less. To do that. the district
will likely tap reserves. le:lve fOllr administra-
live posit inns vacant and explore scaling ha<.::k
public outreach and fire pn,:vcnlion programs.
"We can't go vcry long:' Torchia said, "We
d(lll't have that hig of a piggy bank." The dis-
lriet has $2.5 million set aside for clllergencies.
he said.
1I 'an's Dubler anticipates using r
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Community Fire Safety Program
· Pole and power line inspections
· Tree-trimming/brush clearing
· 700+ new steel structures
· Undergrounding power lines
· Disabled automatic switches
· Staged work crews
· New detection technology
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Emergency Power Shut-Off Plan
· Last resort - extreme weather
· Five conditions must be met
· Coordinate with police, fire & emergency
responders
· Six hour, two hour & event notifications
· Average EPSO event
. Impacts 8,000 - 10,000 customers
. Once or twice per year
. About one day without power
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If the Shut..Off Plan is Implemented...
Then SDG&E will...
· Open Community Care Centers
· Provide transportation for special needs
customers
· Offer financial assistance for those in need
· Provide a pool of generators for schools,
water districts, communications companies
& care centers
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Potentiam Shade-Off Areas
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Bell Canyon
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Plea.... Note: Tt>epolef1l1allorpowerOU'lagnundellhls
progr;)mwdlbe~'"'tedonlytQtargetedhJyn.-n5k!lr"areas
Wllef/! local weather stal'ons indicate ~e~ cond:uom,AIf
areas ...11 nol be shut oil lOgeltler; each individual_ather
stallOnwillincj,catewh,cha'e,,(sJislafewojecl.lOtneoulagl!.
NOIe. Se>.'el'al areas are assooa!ed IOmorell\;Jrl one""",lhet'
stallOn. In lhosecases. CU$lQmefsWlD be de-energlZl'd,l any
o1l1leaSll/X'aled....ealllerslatronsme1MlI1eo<:,.,'nerglZecnlena
Colot Sl\;1d;n\lthalappearsd,llelenttha'lII\el(>lIend is dl.ie !O
o_ettappln\l'feas.
No:e; Tl\ese $ha<led areas represent lI\e maxmurn a.ea ot impilCl-.>>OCl3led'
toeacn_at!\efsl;lbon
Legend D = Potential Outage Area By RAWS
!==:J Alpine c=J Oak Grove
!==:J Ammo Dump CJ Palomar
c=J Bell Canyon CJ Pine Hills
c=J Cameron !-.-,-', I Potrero
c::::J Camp Elliott CJ Ranchita
~,.:m} il Descanso CJ San Miguel
E:J Goose Valley c=J Talega
c::::J Julian c::::J Valley Center
c::::J Mount laguna l1 Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS)
o 2 4 8 12 16 20
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8
2009 SDG&E Emergency Power Shut Off
17 Sub-Regional Potential Outage Areas
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Typical Outages ys. EPSO
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
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Source: San Diego Gas & Electric
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Average Annual Power Outages
in S DG&E Service Territory
3,200
1-2
Unplanned Planned
Outages Outages
EPSO
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Support for ShutaOff Plan
"".l"'O'V~r_...W'.\.~\'- ~. '"-~. .,,' .
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"This proposal. ..may reduce the number of
catastrophic wildland fires in California, saving both
lives, property and precious resources."
Michael Chrisman
Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency
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The Bottom line
About 10,000 customers may
experience an EPSO outage
one to two times per year for a day.
Our program will help prevent
catastrophic fires
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Councilman Rudy Ramirez
City Of Chula Vista
276 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, Ca 91910
619.691.5044 - 619.476.5379 Fax
MEMO
ClN OF
CHULA VISTA
'i~~li,~~f ~y}~~~~~~-~.,r;J,,".\"~'; '~~1.~" ~~.,(~<"ir~.:~ L~ ~1;';'.'Uc"~'1;.1
DATE:
July 30, 2009
TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilman Rudy Ramirez
CC:
Donna Norris, City Clerk (For inclusion in the August 4, 2009 City Council
Agenda Packet)
RE:
Consideration to send letters to the San Diego Unified Port District,
California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO) and the California
Regional Water Quality Control Board conveying the City Council's unified
position on the removal of the South Bay Power Plant
.;;" ".~~.g'~~. ~}.~.~"~'....;?~->.'~~~~~. ,_..~i '~~~., r.::" ...~~ _lr i~~.o:14 -~01~"',>. ~';.,{. ....';",,:. ..
The next few months are critical regarding the City's ability to impact the closure and
removal of the South Bay Power Plant (SBPP) - a goal that I believe we all share in our
effort to enhance the Bayfront and maximize its tremendous wildlife habitat, public access
and economic potential.
The Board of the California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO) is expected to make
its recommendations for Reliability-Must Run (RMR) contracts for 2010. The California
Regional Water Quality Control Board will make its determination on the renewal of the
NPDES water discharge permit. The lease term of the SBPP with the Port District ends
unless the RMR is renewed. The Otay Mesa Generating Station is currently in the testing
phase and will be on-line in the fall which along with other new generation, demand
management and conservation programs significantly reduce, or eliminate, the need for
the SBPP.
I would like to add my support to the work being done by the City Council Energy
Subcommittee and request at the August 4, 2009 City Council meeting that we, as a City
Council, send letters to the San Diego Unified Port District, California Independent
Systems Operator (CAISO) and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board that
convey our unified commitment to the removal of the South Bay Power Plant and the
Council's request for these agencies support with regard to the Council's efforts. It is
imperative that the full Council go on the record with these agencies, directly and
immediately, about our commitment to the removal of the power plant. If we are silent or
equivocal in our position as a Council, we risk being overlooked in the regional energy
decisions and our goal to enhance our Bayfront will not be realized.
I~~-/
THERE IS NO BACKUP MATERIAL FOR
ITEM #14 C