Los Gatos Weekly-Times

PG&E faces power struggle

By Clarence Cromwell

A power struggle has erupted over the Vasona Substation that PG&E wants to build at the corner of Lark Avenue and Winchester Boulevard--a station originally proposed to provide more reliable service for the utility's Los Gatos customers.

Town Planning officials say PG&E needs planning approvals from the town to build the substation. The town wants the utility to apply for a conditional-use permit, so town officials can deal with neighbors' concerns over potential noise and aesthetic problems with the substation.

When PG&E was originally scheduled to build the station in the 1970s, it acquired a use permit from the town which has expired. PG&E says it no longer needs local approvals for substations because of a 1995 general order from the California Public Utilities Commission; the order declared that the PUC has sole authority over such projects. Los Gatos' legal advisers have disagreed with PG&E's interpretation of the order.

PG&E spokesman Scott Blakey said last week that he hoped the town and PG&E will reach an agreement by May 20. He said the utility has already held open houses at the site for any neighbors concerned about the project.

Neighbors have raised a number of concerns about the project, including noise, outdoor lighting, electromagnetic hazards and the appearance of the facility.

For now, concerns must be addressed to the Public Utilities Commission. For more information, anyone concerned can call 415/973-5530. The PUC will hold public hearings in San Francisco before making a decision on the application. No date has yet been set for a hearing.

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