Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves LS Power franchise ordinance; residents ask for local benefits and safeguards
Summary
On second reading the Fremont City Council unanimously approved a franchise ordinance for LS Power Grid California LLC. Public commenters raised concerns the project primarily serves San Jose load growth; staff said LS Power has committed to power availability for Fremont, lease payments and fiber installation.
The Fremont City Council on April 14 unanimously adopted an ordinance granting LS Power Grid California LLC a franchise to construct and operate transmission infrastructure within city rights-of-way.
The title was read into the record by City Attorney Rafael Alvarado. During the public comment period, resident Kelly Abreu questioned whether the project primarily benefits neighboring jurisdictions, citing California Independent System Operator hearings that framed the conversion as driven by San Jose’s load forecast.
Assistant City Engineer Noe Veloso responded that LS Power has committed to a bidirectional transmission line and to making power available to Fremont businesses and residents as part of the project. The council’s discussion also referenced financial and nonfinancial benefits the city will receive, including lease payments estimated by staff and fiber installation as part of the line work.
"LS Power has committed to upgrading the electrical grid here in Fremont," Noe Veloso said. "There is a commitment to providing additional power to Fremont, and this is not a project that is solely providing power to San Jose." Kelly Abreu in public comment maintained skepticism, saying the conversion and CAISO filings indicate the primary beneficiary may be San Jose.
The city took the ordinance up on second reading and passed it unanimously. Staff said they will monitor the franchise commitments and report back on implementation milestones.
