Public Can Speak at Merger Review

San Diegans will be invited to testify before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on environmental matters surrounding San Diego Gas & Electric’s proposed merger with Southern California Edison, Leon Williams, chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, said Thursday.

At a press conference, Williams, who also is chairman of the county Air Pollution Control District, said the FERC had reversed its normal hearings procedure and agreed to let members of the public speak during the regulatory body’s upcoming review of environmental issues involved in the proposed merger.

Williams described the FERC decision as “a significant achievement” because “the commission doesn’t normally grant hearings.” The APCD had requested the opportunity for public involvement late last year, according to district Control Officer R. J. Sommerville.

Although dates of the sessions have not yet been announced, Sommerville and Williams believe that the public will be invited to two hearings. The first would be during “scoping sessions” that will determine what federal regulators will study during the environmental review. The public also will be invited to make comments later in the process, Sommerville said.