Facts and Issues

Will undergrounding utilities in Kensington cost me anything? In most cases, no. The project has already been funded through a fee on SDG&E monthly bills. It is the legal responsibility of the property owner to underground from the street to their house or business beginning at the property line. However, the utility companies will perform this work at no cost to the property owner as long as the property owner signs an agreement to allow utility companies on to their property. Otherwise, property owners are required to perform this work at their own cost. The total estimated cost for undergrounding the north part of Kensington (Phase 3CC, see map) is $6.8 million.

When will the Kensington utilities underground project begin? If approved by the City Council, utility undergrounding for some areas of Kensington may begin in 2016.. See more detailed information about the schedule.

What is the City's Process? The City has developed a comprehensive process that involves public hearings, notification of residents, as well as the design and construction. If you would like more details on the City's process, click here to download a PDF document.

Who can I contact to get more information? Click here to get phone numbers and email addresses of individuals at the City of San Diego, SDG&E, Cox Communications and AT&T.

How many transformer boxes will be required? There will be about 1 transformer per 10 - 14 houses, or about one per block. Some people who are opposed to the underground project have been saying that SDG&E will put in one transformer surrounded by 40" concrete posts for every 4 houses. This is incorrect. According to Nathan Bruner, the City's Underground Program Manager:

"The number of transformers will be determined by SDGE engineers when they design the project which hasn’t even started yet. Part of the equation is how much load each house requires and how far away they are from the transformers so that the transformer loads are balanced. . . . On average though, when looking at large sample sizes we estimate that a single phase transformer will serve around 10-14 homes. This a very rough figure, the exact number for each transformer will vary within a given project and will depend on the design and engineering requirements. The round barrier posts are used to protect the boxes from traffic and are only used when the transformers are placed up against the curb. If the transformers are placed behind the sidewalk, no barrier posts are needed."

This information was confirmed by an undergrounding planner at SDG&E and by a survey of the transformers in Talmadge and La Jolla.