SDG&E will shut off power lines to limit fire risk
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA - San Diego Gas & Electric Co. says it will shut off power lines in areas of San Diego County that are considered high-risk for wildfires during red flag conditions.
The utility announced its proposal in a letter that the utility plans to send to about 45,000 customers living in the highest fire-risk areas. The letter also outlines other steps the utility has taken to limit the risk of fire.
A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection report in July reaffirmed earlier findings that the utility's arcing power lines sparked three major fires last fall — the Witch, Guejito and Rice fires.
A red flag warning means conditions are highly conducive to wildfires.
Related News
Cost, safety drive line-burying decisions at Tucson Electric Power
TUCSON - Though wildfires in California caused by power lines have prompted calls for more underground lines, Tucson Electric Power Co. plans to keep to its policy of burying lines selectively for safety.
Like many other utilities, TEP typically doesn’t install its long-range, high-voltage transmission lines and distribution equipment underground because of higher costs that would be passed on to ratepayers, TEP spokesman Joe Barrios said.
But the company will sometimes bury lower-voltage lines and equipment where it is cost-effective or needed for safety, or if customers or developers are willing to pay the higher installation costs
Underground installations generally include additional engineering…
