In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the urgent need for improved coordination between the city and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) regarding utility connections for affordable housing projects. The city has committed to a 30-day turnaround for affordable housing permits, but delays in utility connections have been a significant barrier to residents moving in. Council members expressed concerns about the average time it takes for SDG&E to process these connections and requested a written commitment from the utility company to match the city's timeline.

The discussion highlighted the frustrations faced by both large developers and individual homeowners attempting to navigate the utility connection process. Council members noted that these delays have been consistently reported, regardless of the scale of the project, indicating a systemic issue within SDG&E's operations. In response, SDG&E representatives acknowledged the challenges and emphasized their commitment to treating all customers equally, as mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). They also mentioned efforts to assist smaller developers and homeowners by providing one-on-one guidance through the permitting process.

Additionally, the council addressed the need for transparency in SDG&E's project classifications, particularly regarding what constitutes an \"emergency project,\" which often incurs higher costs. The utility has pledged to improve its communication and justification for such classifications, with ongoing monitoring from the city to ensure compliance.

The meeting concluded with a call for further collaboration between the city and SDG&E to streamline processes and enhance support for affordable housing initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the housing crisis in San Diego.