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Council tables decision on undergrounding utility poles after SCE estimate doubles
Summary
Duarte staff reported Southern California Edison’s preliminary estimate of $2.4 million to underground roughly nine poles for Utility District No. 11; after applying available Rule 28 credits the city would face an estimated $1.3 million contribution, prompting council members to seek a detailed SCE breakdown and to table the action pending further meetings with SCE and the city’s Edison representative.
Duarte City Council members on Jan. 14 agreed to table a staff recommendation to abandon pursuit of Rule 28 credits for Underground Utility District No. 11 after Southern California Edison supplied a preliminary cost estimate that was substantially higher than the city’s earlier projection.
Public Works Manager Stephanie Sandoval told the council SCE’s estimate for the short‑segment undergrounding — roughly 200 feet and about nine poles on the north side of Huntington Drive — is about $2.4 million. After applying up to $1 million in Rule 28 credits the city would still need to contribute approximately $1.3 million, Sandoval said.
“After applying the available Rule 28 credits that the city has, the city would need to contribute approximately $1,300,000 towards the project,” Sandoval said.
Several council members pushed back on the idea of simply conceding the credits. “I just don’t think we ought to lay down on this thing,” Council member Finley said, urging further negotiation with Edison and noting the public interest in reducing wildfire risk and improving reliability. Council member Truong and others offered to help contact Southern California Edison and to have the city’s Edison representative attend the next council meeting.
Council directed staff to seek a detailed, itemized cost breakdown from Southern California Edison, to meet with Edison staff for clarification and to wait for the city’s Edison representative (who is scheduled to attend the next meeting) before making a final decision on whether to proceed or decline the Rule 28 credits for this project.
Stephanie Sandoval said Edison provided only a general cost estimate and refused to share a detailed construction‑level bid, but staff can request a revised estimate or a reconfiguration of the project that might reduce the city’s contribution.
Next steps: Council asked staff to pursue additional discussions with SCE, requested a detailed cost breakdown, and tabled any final decision until staff returns with more information and after hearing the city’s Edison representative at the next meeting.
