Representative Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita) released the following statement on Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) ahead of attending the California Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) discussion on PSPS. During the discussion, participants will hear from Southern California Edison (SCE) about the execution of 2020 PSPS events. 

“I am constantly hearing from constituents about their displeasure with California’s use of PSPS,” said Garcia. “PSPS have real, negative consequences that can't be ignored – such as the loss of water and fuel. It is especially dangerous for those with medical needs, where an interruption of power could be life-threatening. PSPS threaten public safety, health care, transportation and more. The power shutdowns are in most cases representing a greater threat than the fires themselves. We need to advance real solutions like improving power-grid reliability rather than shutting off Californians’ power every time the wind blows.”

SCE has initiated 16 PSPS events from May 2020 to December 2020. CPUC’s discussion comes shortly after they sent a letter to SCE expressing their displeasure and concern for SCE’s use of PSPS.

“I’ve been actively engaging both CPUC and SCE to help bring solutions forward,” said Garcia. “I am pleased CPUC is hosting this discussion and I look forward to hearing from SCE. While this issue is not under the jurisdiction of the federal government, I remain committed to doing all I can to find a solution that could significantly reduce the problems posed by the frequent PSPS shutdowns.”

Those interested in attending the CPUC hearing on PSPS should click here.