Back in April the ETA held a forum on the Sunrise Powerlink.

Since that time I have been trying to get the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) to help me understand the playing field.

It is very curious that the CPUC originally directed me to have SDG&E address my questions. My questions were about the CPUC's role and authority, not about the specifics of the Powerlink. I eventually went back to the CPUC with my questions and they still remain substantially unanswered. I don't think I will make more progress without great effort.

Given what I can only cautiously piece together, here are a few of my recommendations for public policy related to power infrastructure:

Comparative Analysis
The decision to endorse or oppose the Powerlink should be based on a comparative analysis among many different alternatives. Alternatives should be placed side-by-side and each given serious consideration.

No Guaranteed Profits for Utility Monopolies
Many promises are being made by SDG&E. Their early promises have already been rolled back after they were scrutinized. The Powerlink's purported financial benefits have repeatedly been revised downward on the order of hundreds of millions of dollars.

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NCT Encinitas residents hear power line debate

Fifty or so residents turned out at a community forum presented by the Encinitas Taxpayers Association to hear presentations from representatives from San Diego Gas & Electric Co. and the Utility Consumer Action Network about how the proposed Sunrise Powerlink project will effect their community ---- and more specifically, their utility bill...

Encinitas resident Kathleen Lindermann asked Crider whether she could expect to see a reduction in her utility bill if the power line was built.

“I don’t know,” responded Crider. “There are a lot of forces that go into rates and I can’t tell you that.”

Despite Crider’s evasive answer, Lindermann said she was pleased she attended the forum. “How often do you get people from both sides to talk about an issue like this?” she asked.

Read the full story.

NCT Encinitas residents hear power line debate

Fifty or so residents turned out at a community forum presented by the Encinitas Taxpayers Association to hear presentations from representatives from San Diego Gas & Electric Co. and the Utility Consumer Action Network about how the proposed Sunrise Powerlink project will effect their community ---- and more specifically, their utility bill...

Encinitas resident Kathleen Lindermann asked Crider whether she could expect to see a reduction in her utility bill if the power line was built.

“I don’t know,” responded Crider. “There are a lot of forces that go into rates and I can’t tell you that.”

Despite Crider’s evasive answer, Lindermann said she was pleased she attended the forum. “How often do you get people from both sides to talk about an issue like this?” she asked.

Read the full story.