Vote came after utility made additional commitments to city
By Rob Nikolewski / San Diego Union-Tribune / May 26, 2021
It was a close vote and required some additional financial concessions and commitments by San Diego Gas & Electric but the San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved a new electric and gas franchise agreement with the utility that can run as long as 20 years.
After a grueling session in which the outcome at times appeared uncertain, the council voted for a new deal on a 6-3 vote, just barely meeting the required two-thirds supermajority’ needed per the City Charter to finalize a new franchise agreement.
“While it is not everything that we wanted, it’s not everything SDG&E wanted either,” said Mayor Todd Gloria in a presentation that kicked off discussion of the item.
Councilmembers Jennifer Campbell, Stephen Whitburn, Chris Cate, Raul Campillo, Marni von Wilpert and Sean Elo-Rivera voted in favor while Joe LaCava, Vivian Moreno and Monica Montgomery’ Steppe voted no.
“I think we can get a better deal, ” Montgomery’ Steppe said.
The agreement runs for 10 years and has an automatic renewal for another 10 y’ears — what Gloria has called a “10-plus-10” pact.
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Editordude’s note: but see this – Sempra Greased the Skids for Gloria and Council Democrats to Approve SDG&E Franchise Agreement
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What a sham. The city should run its own utilities. Why does the city keep these crooks in business?
Yes Sam, you got it right. What a sham. SDG&E is nothing but greedy. When this new agreement was announced, I immediately decided to get a rooftop solar system to lessen my need for SDG&E. I would love to eliminate my need for SDG&E.