Interesting, an effort to decarbonize part of California by removing gas service.
Outreach by the gas company... not sure if they gain or lose by this. (gain, by removing nonprofitable gas lines that must be serviced, or lose, by removing customers).
"Background and Purpose
SB 1221 allows up to 30 pilot projects across California to help transition some neighborhoods from natural gas service to zero-emission alternatives. The CPUC is developing program rules in Rulemaking 24-09-012. The program is expected to be established on or before July 1, 2026.
One early step in the implementation of SB 1221 is the CPUC’s designation of priority neighborhood decarbonization zones (decarbonization zones). These are geographic areas where the CPUC may authorize these pilot projects. The CPUC has issued initial decarbonization zones (see Decision 25-12-042*) but plans on updating the decarbonization zones by December 31, 2026, and is interested in additional public input to inform this update.
This virtual event will allow you to provide your opinion on which neighborhoods should be designated decarbonization zones for possible future projects. Your input on local environmental hazards, access to heating and cooling, health considerations, community barriers to decarbonization, and diversity and equity considerations is also sought."
@ai6yr My guess: maintenance costs and liability. Lots cheaper to get rid of the old infrastructure, plus it probably checks some other 'decarbonization' boxes. Now, are they going to 'make safe' all those pipes?
Historically, some of these got resold to telecom companies to then use that right of way to run fiber.
