San Diego Gas & Electric is meeting with a select group of government and business leaders this morning to set up a framework for discussing fire prevention efforts and the rejected shut-off plan.
The group won’t vote on any proposals that impact San Diego residents today, but its discussion could play a role in future proposals. The group’s opinions and activities could weigh heavily on the California Public Utilities Commission if SDG&E decides to again propose the shut-off plan next year.
These are a few questions facing the stakeholders group today: Which mediation service will lead future discussions? Who will be included in those meetings? Will those meetings be open or closed to the public? What is the group’s final goal?
Today’s 10 a.m. meeting may be more animated than last week and I’ll be tweeting periodically. You can follow me @keegankyle. I contacted County Supervisor Diane Jacob, a vocal opponent of the shut-off plan, before the meeting to get her prediction on the morning’s discussion. This is what she said via e-mail:
Friday will be entirely procedural. The stakeholders will discuss and, hopefully, decide on one of two options to facilitate future meetings. There are pros and cons of both options. As a guiding principle, I very strongly feel that the process needs to be open to the public. Because all residents have a stake in a better fire protection plan, the process really needs to be an open one.