California utilities are experimenting with a new technology that proponents say could help prevent both electricity shutoffs and equipment failure-related wildfires. The technology comes as the Pacific Gas & Electric faces intense criticism over its Public Safety Power Shutoff program, which has led to hundreds of thousands of Californians being left without power, often for days at… [Read More]
Archives for November 2019
Utility Reporter Correction (4th Quarter 2019 Edition)
In the 4th quarter 2019 edition of the Utility Reporter, the article on page 30 (“New IBEW 1245-Backed California Law Will Improve Training and Wages for Line Clearance Tree Trimmers”) erroneously states that SB 247 will go into effect in 2021. The actual implementation date for the new law is 2020. We apologize for the… [Read More]
Solidarity in Action: Local 1245 Organizing Steward Stands with Rite Aid Workers in Fresno
On Nov. 14, IBEW 1245 Organizing Steward Pete Sandoval (blue shirt, far right) joined a picket line in solidarity with UFCW Local 8 Rite Aid workers in Fresno who are fighting to maintain hard fought health care benefits.
PG&E says power shutoffs averted hundreds of fire risks, but cities blast lack of coordination (via UtilityDive)
In total, crews identified 328 instances of damage or hazardous situations — such as a branch that had become entangled with a power line, which could have sparked a fire if the lines were energized.
On the Scene at the Kincade Fire
On October 23, the Kincade Fire broke out near The Geysers in Sonoma County, burning more than 120 square miles over two weeks before it was finally 100% contained. As has become standard practice in these types of fires, hundreds of IBEW 1245 gas and electric crews were quickly dispatched to the scene to make… [Read More]
No Changes to PG&E Benefits Agreement in 2020
In March of this year, IBEW 1245 members at PG&E submitted proposals for our benefits committee. These proposals showed that the majority of our members wanted to protect existing benefits at PG&E. IBEW 1245 chose not to reopen benefits negotiations for our members at PG&E during 2019. PG&E agreed not to reopen benefit negotiations. This… [Read More]
Reno/Sparks Retirees Donate to Meals on Wheels
IBEW 1245’s Reno/Sparks Retirees Club donated $250 from the Community Fund to the local Meals on Wheels. “This donation will feed a senior for more than nine weeks!” reported Retirees Club President Ron Borst.
Recall/Safety Notice: Crosby Shackles
PG&E challenges central tenet of bankruptcy law as it presses judge to reject California liability standards (via UtilityDive)
Inverse condemnation should not apply to investor-owned utilities in California, PG&E attorneys argued at a Nov. 19 hearing before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali, tasked with supervising the company’s reorganization. PG&E’s request, if granted, would reduce its total liabilities since wildfire victims would not receive payouts until a court determines the company was negligent.
Solidarity in Action: Local 1245 Organzing Stewards Join UDW Child Care Provider Union Organizing Blitz
In late October, ten IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards participated in a three-day organizing blitz to support the United Domestic Workers (UDW-AFSCME) as the endeavor to give a voice to California’s struggling childcare providers. This is the second UDW childcare organizing blitz that Local 1245 supported in 2019 (read about the last blitz and learn more… [Read More]