Ventura County Considers Public Utility Options Amid Frustration with Southern California Edison
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Ventura County supervisors voted Tuesday to explore creating a locally managed utility, citing growing frustration with Southern California Edison (SCE). The board’s 5-0 decision directs county staff to study the feasibility of a utility alternative, including a Municipal Utility District (MUD) or a Public Power Utility, with the goal of improving reliability, communication, and responsiveness.
The move comes after years of complaints about SCE’s handling of power outages, preventative shutoffs, and infrastructure issues, especially during recent windstorms that left thousands of residents without power for days.
A Search for Alternatives
Supervisor Jeff Gorell, who proposed the motion, did not hold back in his critique of SCE. “It has become – certainly in the last couple years – an institution that I find to be unaccountable, arrogant, unresponsive, nontransparent, and at times, enacting questionable operational decisions,” he said during the meeting.
The recent outages were driven by SCE’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), a measure designed to reduce wildfire risks by cutting power when high winds threaten to damage equipment. While intended to protect public safety, the practice has led to long-lasting outages, delayed power restoration, and growing frustration among residents and policymakers.
The study will assess the logistics, legal requirements, and potential costs of forming a locally run utility. While the idea is still in its early stages, Gorell and other supervisors believe the county needs to take serious steps to ensure more reliable and transparent service.
Public Power vs. MUD: Two Paths Forward
Ventura County is weighing several options, including: a Municipal Utility District and a Public Power Utility. Each model has its own advantages and challenges.
Municipal Utility District (MUD)
A MUD is a local district that provides utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage within a defined area. MUDs are governed by an elected board and typically funded through bonds repaid by property taxes. They operate on a smaller, community-specific scale, which could make them an attractive option for rural or suburban areas.
To create a MUD, Ventura County would need to collaborate with cities and potentially seek voter approval, as state law governs their formation.
Public Power Utility
A Public Power Utility operates similarly but focuses primarily on electricity generation and distribution. Owned and operated by the government, Public Power utilities are non-profit entities that prioritize affordability and reinvest revenues into the system. Cities like Los Angeles and Sacramento already run successful Public Power utilities, and this model could offer countywide coverage.
A feasibility study will weigh which option, if any, could provide Ventura County with the reliability and accountability that residents have demanded.
SCE Responds
Southern California Edison acknowledged residents’ concerns but defended its approach to wildfire prevention. Natalie Yanez, an SCE government relations manager, explained that PSPS events are a last resort to prevent wildfires. Recent windstorms caused extensive damage, with downed trees and debris impacting power lines across SCE’s vast service area, she said.
Yanez warned that forming a local utility would be costly and time-consuming. “A government takeover would not reduce the region’s risk of wildfire and could be a risky, expensive, and lengthy process,” she said.
Community Concerns
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. While many residents are eager for change, critics worry about the financial and logistical hurdles of creating a local utility. Ryan Grau, executive director of the Ventura County Taxpayers Association, urged caution, pointing out that a government-run utility might not outperform SCE. He also warned that taxpayers could bear the cost of system failures or wildfire damages.
Supervisor Janice Parvin, who has testified before the California Public Utilities Commission about PSPS events, emphasized that communication and infrastructure issues with SCE remain unresolved. However, she also acknowledged the complexity of moving to a public utility model, saying, “This isn’t going to be a quick or easy decision.”
Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Needs
Supervisor Vianey Lopez suggested working with SCE on immediate solutions while exploring alternatives. “We need to address these shutdowns now,” Lopez said, pointing to communities that have faced repeated outages during wind events.
The feasibility study will include a detailed analysis of costs, risks, and potential benefits, as well as the legal steps required to move forward with either option.
The Road Ahead
Ventura County’s decision to investigate public utility options reflects a broader dissatisfaction with private utilities across California. Whether the county opts for a MUD, a Public Power Utility, or sticks with SCE, the outcome could shape the future of energy management in the region.
For now, the vote signals that Ventura County’s leaders are serious about holding utilities accountable and prioritizing the needs of residents. As the study unfolds, it may offer a blueprint for other communities grappling with similar challenges.
