Sen. Dodd's Power Shutoff Protection Bill Advances

Legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, which would aid people with disabilities and local governments during wildfire-related utility power shutoffs such as those last year from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. passed a key committee today with unanimous support.

“We know how disruptive these de-energizations are as well as the risks they pose,” Sen. Dodd said. “Utilities need to make investments to minimize the need for power shutoffs to the greatest extent possible. The provisions in this bill will help our most vulnerable cope with any future outages while setting the stage for local government assistance.”

Senate Bill 862 does two things. It expands existing law requiring utilities to provide for customers with access and functional needs before commencing a public safety power shutoff. It’s a provision that builds on SB 167 -- written by Sen. Dodd last year and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom – requiring utilities to assist people on life support equipment during shutoffs. Also, the bill makes clear that such de-energizations are eligible for emergency declarations, freeing financial assistance for local government under the Emergency Services Act.

It passed the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communication committee on a 12-0 bipartisan vote.

“Counties like Napa cannot continue to absorb the financial strain caused by PSPS events or the threat of one – especially as we continue to respond to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic,” said Supervisor Diane Dillon, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, a co-sponsor of SB 862. “A PSPS event is an important and effective tool when executed correctly. We applaud Sen. Dodd for his leadership to not make PSPS’s a financial burden to counties by clarifying that they will be subject to the Emergency Services Act, so that local agencies can be reimbursed when they are required to respond after a PSPS is announced.”

Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Contra Costa, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, and Sacramento, counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.