Portantino Introduces Emergency Planning Bill for Utilities

A local lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require all utilities to update their emergency response plan every two years.

The bill, AB 1650, was introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino as a response to the November wind storms that resulted in hundreds of thousands losing power.

At recent state hearings,  had outdated contact information for state officials.  Edison officials .

The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who represents Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Highland Park, South Pasadena, Monrovia, Arcadia and other San Gabriel Valley communities.

"We saw in this last disaster that communications were often incomplete or confusing and the public really had no idea what was going on," wrote Portantino in a press release. "We all know the ‘Big One’ is coming--it’s just a matter of when--and we need to be prepared."

In updating their plans every two years, utility officials would be required to hold disaster preparedness meetings with the counties and cities that they serve.  The bill would apply to all gas and electric utilities, not just Southern California Edison.

If the bill is passed and signed into law, the utilities would be required to begin their disaster preparedness meetings within three months of its passage.