Earlier this month, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued draft guidelines that would actively disincentivize utilities from pursuing long-term undergrounding programs — a direction dangerously out of touch with the realities facing California’s businesses, communities, and hospitals.
Hospitals are not like other businesses. When the power goes out, it is not merely an inconvenience — it immediately and directly threatens patient care. Ventilators, operating rooms, dialysis machines, trauma centers, and refrigeration for life-saving medicines all rely on uninterrupted electricity. In comments submitted to CPUC last week, Hospital Council underscored this reality and urged the commission to reconsider its approach.
Just a few short years ago, these public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events were commonplace. Hospitals navigated disruption after disruption with little or no warning, relying on backup generators and stockpiled supplies to continue providing patient care.
Years of conversations, collaboration, and commitment between hospitals and Pacific Gas & Electric have resulted in meaningful progress. This year, zero hospitals have experienced a PSPS event. That incredible achievement is proof positive that undergrounding power lines saves lives. Every dollar spent to strengthen the electric grid is an investment in uninterrupted care for our communities.
Hospitals are open 24/7, providing care when people need it — regardless of whether the power is on. California regulators must recognize this reality and give hospitals the tools to continue their mission uninterrupted.