Advocates push for underground power lines to reduce wildfire risk

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the critical need for underground power lines in high-risk wildfire areas, particularly in the densely populated regions of Phoenix Lake Country Club Estates and Crystal Falls. Advocates highlighted the importance of undergrounding as a proactive measure to enhance power reliability and safety, especially given the area's high vegetation and wildfire risk.

A representative from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) confirmed that both Phoenix Lake and Crystal Falls are indeed candidates for the planned undergrounding of 13 miles of power lines in the 2025-2026 timeframe. The representative emphasized that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) mandates PG&E to prioritize the highest risk areas for such projects, and the ongoing advocacy from local officials is crucial in this process.

Supervisor Cook raised concerns about whether other districts also qualify for similar projects, to which PG&E responded that the entire county is considered due to its high fire threat. The discussion also touched on the broader ten-year plan for undergrounding and system hardening, with PG&E noting that while undergrounding is a priority, system hardening measures, such as installing covered conductors, are also being implemented to reduce wildfire risks more quickly and cost-effectively.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing power infrastructure vulnerabilities in fire-prone areas, with local officials expressing their commitment to advocate for necessary improvements. PG&E assured attendees that they are actively working on enhancing safety measures, including the installation of fault indicators in tourist zones to mitigate economic losses from power outages.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a collaborative effort between local government and utility providers to enhance electrical infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing wildfire threats.