Board approves 30-year franchise for Southern California Gas with annual check-ins and added insurance
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Summary
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance granting Southern California Gas Company a countywide pipeline franchise in a 30‑year (15+15) term, retaining a 2% gross‑receipts fee and adding annual coordination, updated insurance requirements and limited critical‑infrastructure data sharing.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Jan. 13 granting Southern California Gas Company a countywide franchise to place and operate gas pipelines in county right‑of‑way.
The board adopted the 30‑year agreement split into two 15‑year terms, a structure staff said is intended to enable midpoint reviews and ongoing coordination between the county and the utility. James Importante of the CEO’s office summarized the changes as “less about…a brand new agreement, and more of a continuation of the existing agreement with some contemporary elements added to it.”
Why it matters: the franchise continues a formula under the federal franchise act and the county code that requires the utility to remit 2% of gross receipts to the county; county staff said SoCalGas paid roughly $390,000 under that fee in the most recent year. The updated contract adds explicit insurance requirements and an annual coordination meeting to address evolving needs such as potential hydrogen infrastructure and emergency coordination.
What staff said: Public Works Director Joan Rajo told the board the county manages franchise agreements for use of public rights‑of‑way and that the renewal modernizes the contract while maintaining core mechanics such as plan review, construction and relocation duties. Importante and staff emphasized the addition of insurance and a data‑sharing process that would permit limited exchange of critical‑infrastructure information while preserving federal confidentiality protections.
Public comment: A SoCalGas representative thanked county staff for the collaborative process and said the company is committed to continuing service and partnership. No public speakers opposed the franchise during the hearing.
Vote and next steps: The ordinance was read into the record and passed unanimously. Staff said the franchise process included today’s hearing and a continuing hearing in February as required by the county’s franchise procedures. No immediate implementation changes were announced beyond the board’s approval.