As PG&E wobbles, we can’t let the utility stop the growth of public power in California

After emerging from bankruptcy for the second time in two decades, PG&E is defending itself in court over recent wildfires, fending off growing dissatisfaction with its service and trying to raise its already sky-high rates to stay afloat.

SSJID prevails in legal appeal; one step closer to replacing PG&E
The Third District Court of Appeal handed SSJID an important legal victory, ruling the district can pursue PG&E’s electrical assets through eminent domain. The court also validated the San Joaquin County approval process that determined SSJID has the ability and authority to provide electric utility service to its customers.

SSJID and PG&E submitted all necessary briefs to the appellate court
PG&E and the South San Joaquin Irrigation District are awaiting the appellate court to move forward with ongoing litigation. SSJID is hopeful that the court may consider oral argument before the end of 2021, and if not, in early 2022. We encourage our community-owners to stay updated by signing up for email alerts and following us on Facebook.

SSJID introduces Powered By Purpose, a public education campaign to explain local bid for PG&E assets
The South San Joaquin Irrigation District has launched a public education effort named Powered By Purpose as part of its continuing project to replace Pacific Gas and Electric as the retail electric power provider for Manteca, Escalon, Ripon and the surrounding areas.

California regulator wants PG&E reorganization plan changes, proposes $2 billion fine
A California regulator has asked PG&E Corp for governance and oversight changes to its reorganization plan, while proposing about $2 billion in penalties for the San-Francisco based utility’s role in causing the devastating 2017 and 2018 wildfires in California.

SSJID and PG&E agree to allow ongoing litigation between the two parties to continue.
In early 2015, PG&E challenged terms of San Joaquin County Local Agency Formation Commission’s approval of SSJID’s plan to provide retail electric service. SSJID proceeded with a condemnation action against PG&E in 2016 to advance its project. Both court cases are now under appeal, but the timelines were suspended due to PG&E’s bankruptcy. This stipulation will allow for final briefs to be filed and for the appellate court to take the appeals under consideration.

New California bill could end PG&E’s power monopoly. 
After 109 wildfire deaths, six felony convictions, and two bankruptcies, will PG&E get another chance?

California should take over PG&E and possibly other utilities, former top regulator says.

Following a string of utility-sparked wildfires that have killed scores of Californians and destroyed billions in property, the former top regulator of California’s electric grid says it’s time for sweeping change — a public takeover of Pacific Gas & Electric and possibly other private utilities, which would be transformed into a state power company.

The South San Joaquin Irrigation District would do a much better job — at a lower cost — of providing electric service to its customers than PG&E. That’s the opinion of the Modesto Bee, which criticizes PG&E for rejecting SSJID’s $116 million offer to buy PG&E’s assets in southern San Joaquin County. The newspaper calls on Gov. Gavin Newsom to use his influence to promote SSJID’s bid, saying the people of Manteca, Escalon and Ripon “deserve the chance to own their own power.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom says “greed” and “mismanagement” led to PG&E’s decision this week to cut off power to millions of people in Northern California. He accused the utility of putting profits ahead of public safety. SSJID would never do that. As a not-for-profit public agency, the needs of our customers always come first. PG&E’s actions this week underscore again why SSJID seeks to become the power provider for Manteca, Escalon and Ripon. We will deliver power with purpose, recognizing how vital it is to deliver safe and accountable electric service to everyone.