PG&E Undergrounding Plans to Mitigate Wildfires

Source: ABC7 KGO-TV  |  By Dustin Dorsey

According to PG&E, it has buried over 1,000 miles of lines in high risk areas and the plan is to bury 3,000 more.  Claiming that burying the lines almost eliminates the risk of wildfire at a cost of $3 million per mile, PG&E is expected to raise rates to cover these costs.  

But Lee Trotman, Community Director at The Utility Reform Network (TURN) says that burying the lines is the most expensive option, and that other less expensive options such as covered conductors and insulating wires is more cost-effective and also reduces wildfire risk.  Raising rates by using the most expensive option to mitigate wildfire risk is another cost that ratepayers will bear if PG&E has their way.