CPUC’s undergrounding limit will make housing shortage worse

OPINION – As Californians grapple with a seemingly insurmountable housing shortage, we cannot ignore the related urgent need to address the growing risk of devastating wildfires. The California Building Industry Association (CBIA) firmly believes that tackling wildfire risks head-on is a vital step towards finding solutions to our housing crisis.

The consequences of inaction are clear, and for too long, they’ve been a reality here in California. Our state has been plagued by wildfires that reduce homes to ashes, displace families, and exacerbate the housing shortage that already impacts our communities. It’s a vicious cycle that demands immediate attention and action.

We need solutions to this problem that will stand up to the growing risk posed by our changing climate.

In the summer of 2021, on the heels of the single largest wildfire in state history, PG&E proposed a solution that meets this test. The utility plans to bury 10,000 miles of high-risk electrical lines, with 2,100 of these miles being placed underground by 2026. By reducing the ignition points and mitigating the risk of wildfires, we can create a safer environment for housing development and restoration.

Yet, in a baffling move, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is seeking to scale back these critical undergrounding efforts. Why, after years of demanding more action from PG&E, are they willing to leave our homes and communities vulnerable to the growing threat of wildfires?

By prioritizing the undergrounding of power lines in high-risk areas, we can better protect existing communities and empower future housing developments to thrive. We create resilient, safe havens that can withstand the devastating impacts of wildfires. Let’s build with confidence, knowing that our communities are protected.

Some have argued that we need a balanced approach, favoring cost cutting measures like insulating lines to achieve a fraction of the risk reduction that’s achieved by undergrounding. But what is balanced about denying Californians safe homes and exacerbating an already dire housing shortage? The CPUC’s proposed decisions fall short of meeting our state’s needs and ignore the pressing urgency of the housing crisis.

We implore the CPUC to reconsider their proposals and fully support PG&E’s plan to underground over 2,000 miles of power lines. Let’s invest in a future that prioritizes the safety of our communities. Together, we can deliver the homes Californians deserve while safeguarding them from the ever-lingering threat of wildfires.

California is renowned for its innovation and resilience. Now is the time to channel that spirit into addressing our housing shortage and mitigating wildfire risks. The CBIA stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to create a safer, more prosperous future for every Californian.

It’s time to act. Let’s build homes that stand strong against wildfires and create a path for a brighter future. Our communities deserve nothing less.

Christopher E. Ochoa, is Senior Counsel for Codes and Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at the California Building Industry Association