CPUC proposal could cut PG&E undergrounding plan to 1,100 miles
The California Public Utilities Commission is set to vote on a proposal that may reduce PG&E's plan to bury 5,000 miles of power lines in high fire‑risk areas to as few as 1,100 miles. PG&E’s vice president of undergrounding, Matt Pender, says the original ten‑year program would cost about $16 billion and add roughly $9 to the average customer’s monthly bill. The commission’s decision is scheduled for November 19.
Why it matters
If the CPUC limits the project, PG&E could see lower capital expenditures but also reduced long‑term wildfire‑mitigation benefits, which may affect its cost structure and regulatory outlook. The company has indicated the $16 billion cost and $9‑per‑month impact are tied to the full 5,000‑mile scope.
Key facts
- 1PG&E plans to underground 5,000 miles of power lines over the next decade. cbsnews.com
- 2The CPUC proposal could slash the mileage to as low as 1,100 miles. cbsnews.com
- 3The full undergrounding plan would cost about $16 billion. cbsnews.com
- 4The project would add roughly $9 to the average customer’s monthly bill. cbsnews.com
- 5The CPUC is scheduled to vote on the proposal on November 19. cbsnews.com
- 6Matt Pender is PG&E’s vice president of undergrounding and system hardening. cbsnews.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.