Our council needs to hear from you on this issue. Thousands of Riverside residents will be affected by insurance rates, viewshed destruction, enhanced wildfire risk, and a host of forseeable public health and safety issues.
Here’s a sample request from another neighborhood group:
Hi Neighbor,
I’m asking you to request the City Council reconsider the motion to stop the undergrounding working group.
Please watch the video and then click on the link above. This will send an email to all of the City Council Members. All you have to do is click on the link and sign your name.
You can also sign the Petition LINK to have them research putting the power lines underground.
Here is what the email says: (if you could add a few words of your own at the beginning, that would be great)
Dear City Council Members, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you with a friendly request to reconsider the recent vote on stopping the working group for undergrounding the power lines in our city. As a concerned citizen, I believe that allowing the working group to continue its efforts could greatly benefit our community. By exploring the possibility of undergrounding the power lines, we have the opportunity to enhance the safety, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for our residents. One of the primary advantages of undergrounding power lines is the reduced risk of outages caused by severe weather conditions, falling trees, or other external factors. This increased reliability can be particularly beneficial for businesses and essential services, ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing economic losses. Additionally, undergrounding power lines can significantly improve the visual appeal of our neighborhoods and public spaces. Removing the unsightly overhead lines and poles can contribute to a more attractive and inviting environment, potentially increasing property values and fostering a sense of community pride. While I understand that there may be concerns regarding the costs associated with undergrounding power lines, it is important to note that Edison’s quoted figures of $40-50 million per mile seem to be significantly higher than the estimates provided by PG&E and the Federal Government, which range from $2-6 million per mile. It would be prudent for the City Council to demand a detailed explanation from Edison regarding this discrepancy. Furthermore, I would like to bring to your attention the new PG&E pilot program called the Ground-Level Distribution System. This innovative approach not only offers cost savings but also promises a quicker installation process compared to traditional undergrounding methods. By allowing the working group to continue its efforts, we can thoroughly explore these alternative options and potentially find a solution that balances the benefits of undergrounding with cost-effectiveness. It is important to note that Edison does not yet possess the necessary easements to proceed with the installation of new towers. This presents an opportune moment for our city to carefully evaluate all available options before committing to a course of action. I kindly request that the City Council reconsider the decision to stop the working group and instead encourage their continued exploration of undergrounding possibilities. By doing so, we can ensure that our city remains at the forefront of progress, prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of our residents. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to a productive dialogue and a collaborative effort toward finding the best solution for our community.
Residents for Responsible Representation
In collaboration with:
Mission Grove Neighborhood Alliance
https://www.missiongrovena.org/
National Drive Electric Week at UCR
National Night Out Potluck & Free Swim
