San Diego Gas & Electric has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on its fight to be reimbursed for hundreds of millions in costs stemming from the 2007 wildfires.
The utility has sought $379 million for damages from the Witch Creek, Guejito and Rice wildfires, which were sparked by electrical lines blown down by strong Santa Ana winds. The utility said the levy would amount to $1.67 a month for a typical residential customer.
State investigators blamed poorly maintained power lines, but SDG&E said the fires were a natural disaster.
The California Public Utilities Commission, 4th District Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court have all denied the utility’s request.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that SDG&E is asking the court “to determine whether it is constitutional for states to impose strict liability on private utilities without ensuring they can recover their costs.”