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Tracy Hills residents press developer and PG&E after temporary overhead lines announced; developer pledges to underground when feasible
Summary
Homeowners in the newly built Tracy Hills subdivision told the City Council they were alarmed when PG&E began installing overhead poles near occupied homes; the developer said the poles are a temporary PG&E segment but pledged to work to underground the line as soon as utility approvals and alignment are coordinated.
Residents from the Tracy Hills subdivision and nearby streets packed the public‑comment portion of the Feb. 18 meeting to press the developer and utility for quicker action after temporary overhead transmission lines appeared near occupied homes.
What residents said
Multiple residents said they were surprised to see overhead poles installed on the side of the road nearest established, occupied houses and raised two main concerns: fire risk during hot, windy months and blocked solar access for homeowners who already installed rooftop panels. One resident said her insurance premiums already rose and that several insurers will not write new policies in the development.
Developer response and next steps
Mike Souza, a project manager for the developer, said the overhead segment is part of PG&E’s master plan to provide redundant power for South Tracy and that the lines were always intended to be temporary in the timeline PG&E described to the developer. Souza told council the developer will “bear the entire cost of design and underground of the segment of the temporary overhead lines from Tracy Hills Drive to south of the California Aqueduct as soon as possible,” but he said timing depends on PG&E procedures and approvals.
Public safety
South County Fire Chief Bradley told the council his agency is coordinating with the developer and PG&E and will continue to advise on vegetation and landscaping changes that could reduce wildfire risk near the infrastructure. Chief Bradley said his office is prepared to work with the developer and utility to mitigate immediate hazards.
What the city said
City staff said they have been facilitating requests from residents for a town‑hall meeting with PG&E and the developer; PG&E indicated it would schedule a community meeting but the city had not received a confirmed date as of the council meeting. City staff offered the city lobby or a school facility as meeting venues and said they are trying to coordinate availability.
Discussion point
Residents asked explicitly for a single meeting that included the developer, PG&E, county fire and city staff so the four parties can answer questions together rather than in multiple separate conversations. The developer and fire staff committed to continued coordination; the timeline for undergrounding remains contingent on PG&E approvals and design work.
Ending
No formal decision was taken by the council. Residents said they would continue to press for a coordinated town‑hall meeting so PG&E can explain the schedule and criteria for temporary overhead construction and confirm specific dates for undergrounding.
