SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The push by a voter initiative to assume control of the power responsibilities of San Diego Gas & Electric collected over 30,000 signatures.
This compelled the city council to deliberate on whether San Diego voters would have the opportunity to terminate their SDG&E contract in favor of a nonprofit city-run utility which sparked a spirited debate.
“Every single city in California that has engaged in a hostile government takeover of their grid pays less than we do, every single one has higher satisfaction than we do,” voiced an anti-SDG&E activist.
During the council session, members scrutinized SDG&E representatives over their profits.
“San Diego Gas and Electric made more than $936 million in profit in 2023, that’s up $21 million from the $915 million the company made the year before,” noted City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert.
Labor unions stood by SDG&E, emphasizing trust in the grid is more important than trying to reduce cost with a major change to the energy system.
The city council sympathized with the grassroots organizers, but ultimately and unanimously decided to maintain the status quo.
SDG&E supporters celebrated the win for the utility.
“Let’s get to a decision that is actually going to address the problem, which is rates. Not create a new problem by having the government take over at the cost of billions of dollars the electricity grid here in San Diego,” argued Matt Awbrey from Responsible Energy San Diego, an SDG&E partner.
Power San Diego noted that while their initiative may have fallen short, they are determined to persist.
“That in this city, at this political level, people are admonishing SDG&E by their behavior in reaction to this, is a step forward,” remarked Bill Powers, Director of Power San Diego and one of the leaders of the ballot initiative.