FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT
May 25, 2021
SAN DIEGO- Today, the City Council approved Actions Related to the Award of Gas and Electric Franchises and Cooperation Agreement with San Diego Gas and Electric. Councilmember Vivian Moreno has issued the following statement:
“As an elected official, I need to make sure that any agreements the City makes are in the best interest of the people I represent.
I could not support the proposed franchise agreement as presented to the City Council. It is not in the best interests of the City of San Diego to sign a long-term franchise agreement at this time as we continue to consider the best way forward for the City to provide power to San Diegans.
It contains provisions that either disincentivize or restrict the ability of the City Council to cancel the franchise agreement after 10 years, including a requirement to give up a significant portion of the minimum bid. Additionally, it was discouraging to see that litigation over the City of San Diego’s critical Pure Water project would be allowed to continue under the proposed agreement. We should not sign a long-term deal with a partner who is in active litigation with the City.
I do commend Mayor Gloria for negotiating a better franchise than the previous administration and I am hopeful that under his leadership the City will be able to make the best of this franchise agreement.”
More information on this agreement can be found here.
