A fire at the PG&E Mission substation has raised concerns due to its occurrence exactly 22 years after a similar incident that had significant repercussions for the utility. This recent fire marks another chapter in a troubling history for PG&E, which has faced scrutiny for not implementing necessary improvements to its infrastructure.
Located at 8th and Mission streets, the three-story concrete substation is responsible for accepting high-voltage transmission power and distributing it at lower levels throughout San Francisco. Historical data from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) indicates that PG&E was penalized $6.5 million following the December 20, 2003 fire, which left over 120,000 customers without power during the bustling holiday season. The CPUC mandated that the funds be used for substation upgrades rather than imposing a monetary fine.
Investigators found that a major fault of PG&E during the 2003 fire was its failure to promptly notify fire authorities, with reports indicating that officials were only alerted two hours after the fire began. Adding to the concerns, the CPUC’s review also revealed another fire at the same substation in 1996, which underscored a pattern of negligence. The commission criticized PG&E for neglecting its own internal recommendations that arose from the 1996 fire incident, stating that adherence to these guidelines could have minimized disruption during subsequent fires.
The historical context surrounding these incidents emphasizes the importance of proactive improvements in aging utility infrastructure. As PG&E continues to address these challenges, there is hope that recent events will potentially ignite a commitment to safety and reliability for the future, ensuring that necessary upgrades are made to protect both customers and the community as a whole.