Proponents of public power were disappointed as San Diego City Council voted unanimously on June 10 to reject placing such a measure on the Nov. 5 election ballot. 

The vote was 8-0 with District 8 Councilmember Vivian Moreno absent. San Diego Gas & Electric did not present to the City Council during discussion of the ballot initiative proposal. 

Following the vote, Council President Pro Tem and District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava said: “San Diegans can all agree that utility rates are too high. I commend the measure’s proponents for engaging voters and confirming that they want a utility that will invest in ratepayers, not shareholders. However, the proposed ballot measure before council was not a declaration of whether costs are high; rather, it was a fundamental shift in our energy model and governance. That cannot be done hastily and without the proper planning and research to include costs and funding sources.” 

Added LaCava: “Moving forward (now) would be a disservice to San Diegans. The City is actively pursuing assurances of feasibility, financial stability, and the ability to deliver better service and lower rates through the public power model. If public power is the preferred path, then ratepayers will see the results in a well-designed, legally defensible plan. In the meantime, I will continue to pursue accountability and fight for reform of the California Public Utilities Commission in the best interest of San Diegans.” 

The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. The commission has approved all of SDG&E’s rate increases.  

If ultimately approved by voters, a public power ballot initiative would authorize the City to purchase SDG&E’s electric distribution system and run an electric utility. City Clerk Diana Fuentes certified that enough signature had been gathered by all-volunteer Power San Diego to place a public power initiative on the November ballot. 

LaCava made the motion, prior to council discussion, to reject putting the public power initiative on the ballot. His motion was seconded by District 2 Councilmember Jennifer Campbell representing the Peninsula, Mission Beach and Clairemont. 

“This is a flawed and premature initiative,” concurred Campbell. “We all feel bad about our electric bills and that SDG&E should not make such a high profit at the expense of ratepayers having to pay too much for their electricity. You people (Power San Diego) worked very hard for this (ballot initiative). Unfortunately, based on legal concerns shared by the City Attorney’s office, without a lot more data, and how one runs an electric power company, I’d like to ask that we not submit this to the voters.” 

Council president Sean-Elo Rivera of District 9 concurred with the council majority on the ballot issue. “Legal concerns are significant and worker concerns are yet to be addressed,” he said adding, “and I hate that there are a bunch of workers caught in the middle here. The dam is breaking. The rates and corporate practices of SDG&E are pushing people to a breaking point, both financially and politically.” 

Concluded Elo-Rivera: “The very fact that we’re having this discussion, and having to make this decision, is reflective of SDG&E not being receptive to the needs and wants of San Diegans. People are sick and tired of their rates being so high and of giving their money to a private monopoly. The anger and frustration is righteous, it is warranted, and if SDG&E doesn’t change, we’re going to be right back here until the dam fully breaks and a public power measure is successful.”