The state will conduct a hearing Tuesday night to offer people a chance to “share their observations, experiences and other relevant information” related to three wildfires last year that investigators say were caused by downed or arcing power lines.
The Consumer Protection and Safety Division of the state Public Utilities Commission is developing measures to reduce the risk of fires, and the hearing is part of that process.
Of special interest to the PUC will be information regarding tree trimming, line clearances and other aspects of utility operations from the public's perspective, spokeswoman Terrie Prosper said.
The hearing will be from 6 to 8 p.m., longer if necessary, at the Al Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road, Kearny Mesa.
“We expect a large crowd and will make every effort to hear everyone,” said Susan Carothers, another PUC spokeswoman.
In a report released last month, the PUC determined that San Diego Gas & Electric Co. failed to properly inspect and maintain power lines implicated in the Witch Creek, Guejito and Rice Canyon fires, which together killed two people and destroyed more than 1,300 homes.
The report also concluded that SDG&E obstructed the investigation by failing to cooperate fully, by not making witnesses and evidence available.
The 32-page analysis also blamed Cox Communications equipment for starting the Guejito fire. It concluded that lashing wires on a Cox cable in the San Pasqual Valley came loose and made contact with SDG&E power lines, causing arcing that ignited the fire.
Representatives of SDG&E plan to attend the hearing and make a presentation, spokeswoman Stephanie Donovan said.
“We haven't been able to make any formal response to the report until now,” Donovan said.
Shortly after the report came out Sept. 2, SDG&E strongly disputed its findings.
“This report . . . is full of speculation and faulty conclusions, with sparse evidence – if any – to support its claims,” the utility said in a statement.
SDG&E also denied blocking access to employees, saying initial interview requests came in November, when staffers were working around the clock to maintain service.
“Later, the utility made available all requested personnel for interviews and provided all the documents as requested,” the statement said.
Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon and state Sen. Christine Kehoe are expected to speak at the hearing, and an administrative law judge will preside. Other PUC commissioners, possibly all five, are expected to attend.
Public speakers are asked to limit their statements to three minutes. Anyone who cannot attend can forward comments to sd2007fires@ cpuc.ca.gov.
J. Harry Jones: (760) 737-7579; jharry.jones@uniontrib.com
