We understand a lot of projects are being held up by utilities not coming out for disconnects and inspections. We have been in very regular contact with the utilities about this, and their internal guidance has changed multiple times. Here is our understanding of the status of things.

PG&E is only doing disconnect/reconnect for critical jobs. This includes projects with backup power in High Fire Threat Districts and projects in which delay causes economic hardship. They consider these on a case by case basis as exemptions to their blanket policy to delay all disconnects until May. PG&E has told CALSSA that all jobs for agricultural customers are essential and should proceed, but some companies’ experience has been otherwise. If you believe some of your stalled jobs are particularly compelling from an economic hardship standpoint, you should appeal on those grounds.

SCE has informed CALSSA that all work is proceeding. Some offices may be slower than normal, but all tasks are being performed. If this is not consistent with your experience, please let us know.

SDG&E is proceeding with most work, with a notable exception of multifamily housing or other cases in which customers beyond the customer that is requesting disconnect are being de-energized. CALSSA has heard conflicting reports of other types of work requests they may be denying.

The state health order is clear that work in the energy sector is essential. There are now eight SF Bay Areas counties with more strict orders where there is less clarity about what is allowed, but outside of those counties all work should be allowed to proceed. It is outrageous that PG&E is using the strictest possible interpretation of the Bay Area order and applying it across their service territory.

Some of this is changing day by day. We have been in regular communication with PG&E and the CPUC. The logjam has not been cleared yet, but we maintain hope that it will be before the end of the month.