Sen. Feinstein urging CPUC to expedite grid resilience projects

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is urging the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to expedite the deployment of electric grid resilience projects in the state of California to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season and the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.

Wildfires have devastated California in recent years, and preemptive power shut-offs during high-risk events became even more prevalent in 2019. While often necessary, the shut-offs leave millions of Californians without power and without the information needed to understand the full impact of the situation

“After direction from the CPUC, California utilities have worked to prepare for the upcoming 2020 wildfire season to implement microgrids, harden their infrastructure, increase vegetation management, and improve their technological capabilities,” Feinstein wrote to Marybel Batjer, president of the California Public Utilities Commission. “However, it is clear that when wildfire season begins, public safety power shut-offs will begin again as well. Consistent communication with communities (particularly targeted to those most vulnerable), more information sharing with telecommunications companies, and better public planning is critical, especially during the unique health emergency we’re currently facing.”

Feinstein said the strong standards proposed for regional working groups, coordination with public safety and communications carriers, and a focus on the needs of medical customers is paramount.

“Further, the streamlined microgrid approval process for projects that can be in place by September 1 is pragmatic as we seek to minimize disruptions, especially as we work and learn from home,” she wrote. “Ensuring the safety and resiliency of the California power grid is critical as we prepare for the 2020 wildfire season, and I strongly support the Commission’s efforts to proceed in this deliberate manner.”