Public support for undergrounding surges as regulators debate long-term plans

(UI) - A new statewide poll shows overwhelming public support for undergrounding electric distribution lines as California energy regulators weigh long-term strategies for wildfire mitigation. 

The survey, conducted by David Binder Research, found nearly 90% of Californians favor their utility burying power lines to virtually eliminate wildfire ignition risk from overhead equipment. More than 70% said utilities should invest more heavily in undergrounding compared to lower-cost measures such as covered conductor or proactive shutoffs.

The results come shortly after PG&E announced it has energized 1,000 miles of undergrounded lines, a major benchmark in its system-hardening program. PG&E leaders say the findings reinforce public demand for long-term reliability and wildfire risk reduction.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulators are currently reviewing guidelines required under Senate Bill 884 (2023) that will shape multi-year undergrounding plans for investor-owned utilities. Utilities and local governments warn that draft guidance could limit future undergrounding proposals, potentially jeopardizing large-scale system-hardening efforts.

More than 30 local agencies, business groups and energy companies have urged the CPUC to revise the guidelines to better support undergrounding statewide. The CPUC is expected to vote on the measure on November 20.

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