Earlier this month, San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman and South San Joaquin County Fire Authority Chief Randall Bradley met with key Pacific Gas and Electric personnel and toured the utility’s Emergency Operations Center and Grid Control Center. The visit comes in the wake of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event earlier this summer that left residents in several San Joaquin County cities without power for a three-day period, June 19 through 21.
Following that shutoff, Supervisor Rickman called for a formal review by the California Public Utilities Commission, citing the broad impacts on local residents and businesses. The visit was an opportunity to directly address the concerns and gain further insight into PG&E’s decision-making process during PSPS events.
During the meeting, Supervisor Rickman and Chief Bradley emphasized the importance of minimizing unnecessary outages, improving the timeliness of notifications to local officials and residents, and increasing transparency regarding the criteria used to initiate power shutoffs. PG&E representatives responded by outlining the technical calculations and operational challenges involved in maintaining grid safety and reliability during periods of elevated wildfire risk.
“I appreciate PG&E’s willingness to meet and provide this firsthand look at their operations,” said Supervisor Rickman, who represents Escalon on the county Board of Supervisors. “Open communication is essential to ensuring that any shutoffs are handled responsibly and with minimal disruption to our communities. Maintaining reliable service and avoiding unnecessary outages are critical. The grid is complex; however, the complexity of the energy grid cannot overshadow the very real hardships our residents and businesses have endured. Our shared priority must always be protecting lives, property, and the well-being of our residents and businesses.”
Chief Bradley added, “Fire agencies plan year-round for emergencies. Communities rely on electricity not just for convenience, but for medical care, communications, and public safety. PG&E must ensure that PSPS events are narrowly targeted, data-driven, and coordinated with first responders.”
Supervisor Rickman and Chief Bradley both also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between PG&E and local jurisdictions to protect public safety while minimizing disruptions to daily life and business activity.
