Seacrist v. S. Cal. Edison Co.
Seacrist v. S. Cal. Edison Co.
Opinion of the Court
*310In a Fourth Amended Complaint, Kathy Seacrist and her son, John McDonald, sued (1) Southern California Edison (Edison); (2) the City of Palm Desert; (3) J.R. Roberts; and (4) Does 5 through 100. The Fourth Amended Complaint included seven causes of action against Edison: (a) negligence; (b) nuisance; (c) trespass; (d)
*836strict liability/products liability; (e) strict liability/implied warranty of fitness; (f) strict liability/ultra hazardous activity; and (g) intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Seacrist owned a home near an Edison substation. Seacrist and McDonald (collectively, "plaintiffs") alleged stray electrical currents from the substation were causing them to suffer various medical issues. The trial court sustained Edison's demurrer to the Fourth Amended Complaint without leave to amend. The trial court concluded, "Plaintiffs claims are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission," and thus, the trial court did not have jurisdiction over the dispute with Edison. The trial court sustained the demurrer on March 5, 2014.
On February 9, 2015, the Second District, Division Four, Court of Appeal held the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) does not have exclusive jurisdiction over a case involving injuries resulting from stray electrical currents from a substation. (Wilson v. Southern California Edison Company (2015)
*311FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
A. FOURTH AMENDED COMPLAINT
The facts in this paragraph are taken from plaintiffs' Fourth Amended Complaint (FAC). In 1992, Edison's Indian Wells substation was constructed. Seacrist's home was in the Desert Rose development, in Palm Desert, which was next to the Indian Wells substation. In 1997, Seacrist purchased and moved into her home in Palm Desert. McDonald moved into Seacrist's home in 2006, and moved out in 2009. Stray electrical currents from the substation caused dangerously high voltage "in the ground and in and about and throughout" Seacrist's home. The stray electrical currents caused plaintiffs to suffer serious health issues.
In the first cause of action for negligence, plaintiffs alleged Edison was negligent because it permitted "excessive electric current from the Indian Wells Substation" to enter plaintiffs' land. Plaintiffs alleged Edison "negligently, carelessly, recklessly, unlawfully, and with gross negligence, managed, owned, operated, leased, possessed, secured, designed, modified, installed, constructed, engineered, and controlled the Indian Wells Substation."
*837In the second and third causes of action (for nuisance and trespass) plaintiffs alleged "residential properties and homes located adjacent to the Indian Wells Substation, were, and are, subject to entry by stray, uncontrolled electrical currents that are generated, emitted, and traveling from said substation, and there were, and continue to be, excessive electric currents and voltage from said adjacent substation resulting in dangerously high levels of current and magnetic frequency in, about, and throughout adjacent residential properties and homes, including the Home of Plaintiffs."
In the fourth cause of action (for products liability), plaintiffs alleged Edison was subject to strict liability "for personal injuries caused by the straying of electricity at dangerously high current levels due to the improper grounding of the Indian Wells Substation." In the fifth cause of action (for *312breach of the implied warranty of fitness), plaintiffs asserted they were harmed "[a]s a direct, proximate, and legal result of the defective Indian Wells Substation due to its improper grounding."
In the sixth cause of action (for strict liability based upon an ultra hazardous activity), plaintiffs alleged Edison's "use, maintenance, and operation of an electrical substation emitting large amounts of electrical currents and voltage when not properly grounded and located immediately adjacent to a residential neighborhood constitutes ultra[ ]hazardous activity." Plaintiffs further alleged that stray electrical currents were in and throughout their residence.
In their seventh cause of action (for intentional infliction of emotional distress), plaintiffs asserted their home was "subject to stray, uncontrolled electrical currents, generated, emitted and traveling from the Indian Wells Substation." Plaintiffs asserted the substation was "improperly grounded."
Plaintiffs sought damages, punitive damages, disgorgement, an injunction prohibiting Edison from further harming plaintiffs, costs, interest, and any other proper relief.
B. DEMURRER
Edison demurred to the FAC. Edison asserted the Superior Court lacked jurisdiction to decide plaintiffs' seven claims. Edison argued plaintiffs' claims fell within the exclusive jurisdiction of the PUC.
Our Supreme Court has articulated a three-prong test for determining whether a claim falls within the PUC's exclusive jurisdiction: (1) whether the PUC has the authority to adopt a policy on (a) the alleged problematic/risky condition, e.g., stray voltage, and (b) "what action, if any, the utilities should take to minimize that risk"; (2) whether the PUC has exercised its authority to adopt a policy concerning the problematic/risky condition; and (3) whether the lawsuit would hinder or interfere with that policy. (San Diego Gas & Electric Co. v. Superior Court (1996)
First, in its demurrer, Edison asserted the PUC has the authority to issue regulations related to substation safety and "all aspects of electrical distribution facilities." Second, Edison asserted that in General Order 174, the PUC adopted safety regulations governing substations. Third, Edison argued plaintiffs' lawsuit would interfere with the PUC's policy because plaintiffs were essentially challenging the safety regulations issued by the PUC.
*313C. OPPOSITION
Plaintiffs opposed Edison's demurrer. Plaintiffs asserted the PUC did not have *838exclusive jurisdiction over their claims because their claims were focused on currents running through the ground/earth-not problems with the electrical lines or substation. Plaintiffs noted that PUC Rule 36.4 prohibits utilities from using the ground/earth as a normal neutral to return electricity along the circuit; however, a neutral may be grounded into the earth for purposes of stabilization and protection. Plaintiffs asserted their claims were based upon "electric current[s] straying through the ground from the neutral which becomes overloaded as it returns and comes close to the substation." Plaintiffs contended, "[T]his lawsuit relies on Rule 36.4. It does not interfere with Rule 36.4." Plaintiffs contended Edison violated Rule 36.4, and therefore, Public Utilities Code section 2106
Section 2106 provides, "Any public utility which does, causes to be done, or permits any act, matter, or thing prohibited or declared unlawful, or which omits to do any act, matter, or thing required to be done, either by the Constitution, any law of this State, or any order or decision of the commission, shall be liable to the persons or corporations affected thereby for all loss, damages, or injury caused thereby or resulting therefrom. If the court finds that the act or omission was willful, it may, in addition to the actual damages, award exemplary damages. An action to recover for such loss, damage, or injury may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction by any corporation or person."
D. REPLY
Edison replied to plaintiffs' opposition. Edison accused plaintiffs of "attempting to change the theory of their claims." Edison argued, "Plaintiffs ignore that nowhere in their [FAC] is there any reference to 'underground power lines,' to use of the 'ground and earth ... as the return of the current to the substation, or that [Edison] is violating any [General Order] or regulation of the PUC, let alone Rule 36.4." Edison contended the FAC alleged the problematic acts involved electrical currents " 'emitted from a substation,' " (italics omitted) as opposed to currents returning to the substation. Edison asserted plaintiffs could not rely on new facts to avoid dismissal of the FAC, and currents emitted from the substation are regulated by the PUC.
Edison argued plaintiffs should be denied leave to amend because if the new facts about stray voltage resulting from the current returning to the *314substation were included in a fifth amended complaint, the claims would still fall within the PUC's exclusive jurisdiction. Edison asserted the PUC had not defined, within Rule 36.4, what it means "to use the earth/ground as 'a normal return or circuit conductor,' " and the PUC has exclusive jurisdiction to interpret its own Rule 36.4 and decide if Edison's system violated that rule. Thus, Edison asserted section 2106 did not apply because in order to determine if Edison was violating Rule 36.4, the court would need to decide "the meaning of [using] the ground or earth as 'a normal return or circuit conductor' in Rule 36.4," and such rule interpretation by the court would undermine the PUC's regulatory authority.
E. HEARING
On February 19, 2014, the trial court held a hearing on Edison's demurrer. At the hearing, plaintiffs requested leave to *839amend. Plaintiffs said, "I recognize that the [FAC] did not perhaps clarify to the extent that-as to why this should not fall under General Order 174 which does give PUC jurisdiction. The reason being that the cause of the ground current, the electric current, string current was the distribution wiring. It was not the substation itself. And Rule 174 covers the substation. [¶] So that is why it should not pertain to that rule, but I would like to amend the Complaint to be able to clarify that in the Complaint." Plaintiffs asserted the substation was not the cause of the stray current; rather, it was the size of the wiring used as the neutral return. Plaintiffs explained the wires "should have been larger so as to handle the amount of electricity that was on the return to the substation."
Edison argued "the PUC has exclusive comprehensive jurisdiction over the entire distribution system, substation, overhead lines, [and] underground lines." Edison asserted the PUC was the entity responsible for regulating the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the electrical distribution systems. Edison asserted plaintiffs needed to file a claim with the PUC, explain why there was an alleged violation, then, if the PUC agreed there has been a violation, the plaintiffs may return to court. (§ 1702.)
Plaintiffs asserted Edison's jurisdiction argument relied on General Order 174, which related to substations. Plaintiffs argued their claim related to the distribution system (not the substation), which is not included in General Order 174. Plaintiffs contended their claim related to a violation of Rule 36.4, which concerned the earth not being used a normal return for electric currents.
*315The court said, "All right. The Court sustains the demurrer as to Southern California Edison Company without leave to amend." In the written order, the trial court explained that it sustained the demurrer "on the ground that Plaintiffs' claims are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the [PUC]." The court did not state reasons as to why it concluded the claims fell within the PUC's exclusive jurisdiction.
DISCUSSION
A. CONTENTION
On appeal, plaintiffs contend the Wilson case is on-point and should be followed by this court. (Wilson, supra,
B. STANDARD OF REVIEW
"A demurrer is properly sustained when the complaint 'does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action,' or where the court 'has no jurisdiction [over] the subject of the cause of action alleged in the pleading.' " (Debrunner v. Deutsche Bank Nat. Trust Co. (2012)
C. JUDICIAL ADMISSIONS
Edison contends plaintiffs are bound by the statements they made "in connection with their Opposition to [Edison's]
*840Demurrer that their claims are not based on anything emitted from the substation, but rather on stray current allegedly resulting from [Edison's] use of the 'ground or earth' as 'a normal return,' in violation of Rule 36.4. Plaintiffs confirmed this basis of their claims (i) after four amendments of their complaint in the trial court, (ii) in their Opposition to [Edison's] Demurrer, (iii) at oral argument on the Demurrer, and (iv) in their motion for reconsideration."
"Judicial admissions may be made in a pleading, by stipulation during trial, or by response to request for admission." (Myers v. Trendwest Resorts, Inc. (2009)
Further, the facts and legal theories upon which plaintiffs are relying, in complaining of injuries resulting from stray electrical currents, are found in *316the FAC. As two examples: (1) plaintiffs allege in the "Factual Issues" section of the FAC, "Only when the stray electricity cause of the further injuries was discovered did Plaintiffs learn of the additional concurrent cause of their additional injuries which were not mold-related"; and (2) plaintiffs allege in the negligence cause of action, "[T]heir serious medical and health problems were, and are, a direct, proximate, and legal result of the stray, uncontrolled excessive electric current."
Because (1) the facts and theory of fault upon which plaintiffs are relying are included in the FAC; and (2) the comments about Rule 36.4 were not made in a format that would cause them to be judicial admissions, we conclude plaintiffs are not bound by the theory that jurisdiction is based upon a violation of Rule 36.4.
D. WILSON
In Wilson, the plaintiff (Wilson) sued Edison for intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and nuisance. Wilson's "claims alleged, in essence, stray voltage generated by the Topaz substation entered into Wilson's home, causing shocks to Wilson, and that Edison knew of the stray voltage from the substation ... and failed to maintain the safety of the residents living next to the substation. Wilson contended at trial that any level of stray voltage on the property was unacceptable, and Edison was liable for failing to eliminate it." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at pp. 139-140,
On appeal, Edison argued Wilson's claims fell within the PUC's exclusive jurisdiction. The appellate court disagreed, finding the trial court had jurisdiction over the claims. (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 140,
The appellate court gave three different reasons in support of its conclusion. The appellate court's first reason was "although there is no doubt that the General Orders require grounding of substations, it may be that Edison could comply with the regulations and still mitigate the stray voltage that results from grounding." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 149,
In presenting its second reason, the appellate court observed that General Order 174 requires electric utilities to "establish and update an inspection program for its substations, maintain records of its inspections, and submit annual inspection program summaries and reports summarizing completed inspections." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 150,
As a third reason, the appellate court explained that prior contrary cases, in which it was concluded the PUC had exclusive jurisdiction over parties' claims, were "of a vastly different character" because they tended to involve issues in which "the PUC conducted (or was in the process of conducting) investigations into or adopted regulations on the specific issue alleged in the plaintiffs' lawsuit." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 150,
In concluding, the appellate court wrote, "In light of the absence of any indication that the PUC has investigated or regulated the issue of stray voltage, and without any evidence that stray voltage cannot be mitigated *318without violating the PUC's regulation requiring grounding, we cannot say that Wilson's lawsuit would interfere with or hinder any supervisory or regulatory policy of the PUC. Therefore, we hold *842that Wilson's claims are not within the exclusive authority of the PUC under section 1759."
We see nothing internally inconsistent in Wilson, such that we would conclude the case was wrongly decided. The appellate court, for three different and logical reasons, concluded the third prong of the Covalt test was not met by Edison. Accordingly, we do not reject Wilson outright. Instead, we must decide if it is applicable in the instant case; however, we will first address Edison's assertions that Wilson was wrongly decided.
First, Edison contends Wilson was wrongly decided because the appellate court did not explicitly address all three prongs of the Covalt test. In particular, Edison asserts the appellate court failed to address the first two prongs of the Covalt test, i.e. authority and the exercise of authority. The Wilson court did not need to address the first two prongs of the Covalt test in detail because it found in favor of Edison on those prongs. The appellate court wrote, "[T]here is no doubt that the General Orders [of the PUC] require grounding of substations." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 149,
Second, in regard to the Wilson court's first line of reasoning-that there was no evidence the possible voltage mitigation would interfere with the PUC's policy-Edison contends that reasoning is incorrect because the opinion "provides no authority or explanation for why factual development on this issue should play a role in determining whether the PUC has exclusive jurisdiction." Whether mitigation would interfere with the PUC's policy is relevant to the third prong of the Covalt test. Wilson, in her lawsuit, was requesting the stray voltage be eliminated. (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 140,
Third, in regard to the Wilson court's second line of reasoning-the lack of clarity as to whether "best practices" would address stray voltage issues-Edison faults the opinion for "not discuss[ing] whether imposing liability on [Edison] for stray voltage would hinder or interfere with any PUC regulatory policy." Contrary *843to Edison's position, that is exactly what the Wilson court is discussing. The "best practices" discussion is part of a larger discussion regarding General Order 174. (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 150,
Fourth, as to the Wilson court's third line of reasoning-that cases where the PUC was found to have exclusive jurisdiction were "of a vastly different character"-Edison asserts, "The decision does not attempt to reconcile this observation with Covalt 's statement that the absence of a specific regulation is not dispositive and that [s]ection 1759 prohibits interference even with 'a general supervisory or regulatory policy.' "
Contrary to Edison's position, the opinion addresses this exact point. In Wilson, the appellate court wrote, "We disagree with Wilson's assertion that section 1759 applies in this case only if the PUC has issued a specific regulation on stray voltage. In Covalt, the Court observed that under the Waters rule, section 1759 barred an action for damages 'not only when an award of damages would directly contravene a specific order or decision of the commission ... but also when an award of damages would simply have the effect of undermining a general supervisory or regulatory policy of the commission, i.e., when it would "hinder" or "frustrate" or "interfere with" or "obstruct" that policy.' " (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 148,
In sum, Edison's arguments about Wilson being wrongly decided are unpersuasive.
*320E. JURISDICTION
1. WILSON
As explained ante, in Wilson, the plaintiff brought causes of action for (1) negligence; (2) nuisance; and (3) intentional infliction of emotional distress. (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 129,
2. COMPLAINT
We now examine the jurisdiction issue in the instant case. As set forth ante, plaintiffs brought causes of action for (1) negligence; (2) nuisance; (3) trespass; (4) strict liability/products liability; (5) strict liability/implied warranty of fitness; (6) strict liability/ultra hazardous activity; and (7) intentional infliction of emotional distress. Plaintiffs are complaining of stray voltage entering their property from the Indian Wells substation. Plaintiffs allege they have suffered health issues due to the stray voltage from the substation.
*8443. NEGLIGENCE
In their first cause of action, plaintiffs contend Edison negligently "managed, owned, operated, leased, possessed, secured, designed, modified, installed, constructed, engineered, and controlled the Indian Wells substation," and that it negligently "staff[ed], supervise[d], secure[d], operate[d], or control[led]" the substation. Plaintiffs also complain Edison negligently provided "repairs, maintenance and customer service," and "fail[ed] to reasonably and/or diligently monitor, test, secure, maintain, inspect, and control the Indian Wells Substation and its electricity emissions."
To the extent all of these actions are focused upon stray voltage, the reasoning of the Wilson opinion would support the superior court having jurisdiction over the matter. Both cases concern injuries resulting from stray voltage emanating from or returning to substations. Edison has not persuaded us that Wilson is incorrect. Accordingly, since plaintiffs' claims are similar to those in Wilson, in that they both concern stray voltage from or returning to substations, we conclude the superior court has jurisdiction over the matter because there is nothing indicating litigation over stray voltage would hinder or interfere with a PUC policy.
*3214. NUISANCE, TRESPASS, AND INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
In the second cause of action, for nuisance, plaintiffs alleged stray electrical currents from the substation were entering their property, and they have suffered health issues as a result. In the third cause of action, plaintiffs alleged Edison trespassed on their property with stray electrical currents. In the seventh cause of action, plaintiffs asserted that stray electrical currents caused them to suffer distress, discomfort, anxiety, fear, and anguish. These allegations are on-point with the allegations in the Wilson case, which also included allegations of nuisance and intentional infliction of emotional distress in relation to stray electrical currents from a substation. (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at pp. 139-140,
5. STRICT LIABILITY-PRODUCTS LIABILITY, IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS, AND ULTRA HAZARDOUS ACTIVITY
In the fourth, fifth, and sixth causes of action, plaintiffs present claims that are labeled as "strict liability." Edison does not assert a different jurisdictional analysis would apply to the strict liability causes of action. Accordingly, since the strict liability causes of action are also related to the stray voltage allegations, we conclude, as the appellate court did in Wilson, that litigation concerning stray voltage will not hinder or interfere with a PUC policy. (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 151,
6. CONCLUSION
We conclude the superior court has jurisdiction over plaintiffs' claims as they relate to stray electrical currents.
F. HARTWELL
Edison contends the case of Hartwell Corporation v. Superior Court (2002)
The Supreme Court concluded the PUC had regulatory authority over water quality issues and that it had exercised its authority over those issues. (Hartwell, supra, 27 Cal.4th at pp. 272, 274,
As explained in Wilson, the Hartwell type of case is "of a vastly different character" because "the PUC conducted (or was in the process of conducting) investigations into or adopted regulations on the specific issue alleged in the plaintiffs' lawsuit." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 150,
G. EMF
1. FAC
In the FAC, plaintiffs mix allegations related to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) with their stray voltage allegations. In the first cause of action, for negligence, plaintiffs alleged: "Plaintiffs had no knowledge, and had no reason to know, of the presence of the stray, uncontrolled electrical currents *323emitted from the Indian Wells substation, resulting in dangerously high levels of electrical current in the ground which create a further magnetic charge in the immediate surroundings in, about and throughout Plaintiffs' Home, until these *846issues were brought to their attention by a medical diagnosis of Plaintiff Kathy Seacrist's injuries as possibly stemming from stray current discharge from a neighboring electrical facility."
Plaintiffs also alleged, "Plaintiffs began understanding that the serious safety, health and medical issues they experienced, and continue to experience, were a direct, proximate, and legal result of living in a Home subject to the electrical currents and high levels of magnetic frequency in the air arising therefrom, in and about the Seacrist Home." Also in the first cause of action, plaintiffs assert, "Defendants knew that there were, and are, excessive electric currents and voltage from the adjacent substation resulting in dangerously high levels of current and magnetic frequency in, about, and throughout the Desert Rose Development." Plaintiffs further alleged, "Defendants carelessly, recklessly, negligently, and unlawfully failed and refused to eliminate the hazardous conditions and to properly protect and maintain the safety of the Plaintiffs from the foreseeable danger of the excessive electric currents and high levels of magnetic frequency in, around, and throughout their Home."
Other causes of action have a similar mixture of stray voltage and EMF allegations. The second cause of action, for nuisance, reflects, "At all times mentioned herein and relevant hereto, residential properties and homes located adjacent to the Indian Wells Substation, were, and are, subject to entry by stray, uncontrolled electrical currents that are generated, emitted, and traveling from said substation, and there were, and continue to be, excessive electric currents and voltage from said adjacent substation resulting in dangerously high levels of current and magnetic frequency in, about, and throughout adjacent residential properties and homes, including the Home of Plaintiffs."
EMF allegations are expressly mixed into the third cause of action (trespass), the fifth cause of action (strict liability-implied warranty of fitness), the sixth cause of action (strict liability-ultra hazardous activity), and the seventh cause of action (intentional infliction of emotional distress).
2. COVALT
The Covalt case concerned allegations of personal injury caused by EMF resulting from power lines. San Diego Gas & Electric demurred on the ground of lack of jurisdiction because the Covalts' lawsuit "would hinder or frustrate a general regulatory policy of the commission [ (the PUC) ]." (Covalt, supra, 13 Cal.4th at pp. 911-912,
*324exercised its "authority to adopt a policy on power line electric and magnetic fields." (Id. at p. 926,
The high court noted the PUC also issued a decision addressing "power line electric and magnetic fields." (Covalt, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 928,
Four months after the decision, the PUC reopened and expanded its inquiry into EMF for the purpose of developing " 'policies and procedures for addressing the potential health effects of electric and magnetic fields of utility facilities.' " (Covalt, supra,
In the policy, the PUC (1) ordered utilities to implement steps to reduce or mitigate EMF at "new and upgraded facilities"; (2) expressed interest in creating a record on some issues for the purpose of possibly developing an " 'EMF policy for existing facilities' "; (3) ordered a workshop for developing " 'design guidelines' to follow in designing and siting new power line facilities, for the purpose of mitigating electric and magnetic fields"; (4) declared the need for a uniform policy on measuring EMF in customers' buildings; (5) created a committee to advise the PUC on EMF; (6) created a coordinated effort to educate people about EMF; and (7) created a research program into EMF. (Covalt, supra, 13 Cal.4th at pp. 931-934,
Based upon the foregoing actions, the Supreme Court concluded, "There is no doubt that the [PUC] is still actively pursuing the broad policy inquiry into the potential health effects of power line electric and magnetic fields." (Covalt, supra,
*3253. ANALYSIS
Edison asserts that, due to the EMF claims, plaintiffs' case is analogous to Covalt. Plaintiffs distinguish their case from Covalt by asserting their allegations do not relate to overhead power lines.
In Covalt, the court discusses the PUC creating policy for EMF in relation to power lines and in relation to electric utility facilities. Electric utility facilities would arguably be broader than power lines and could include substations. However, the court's jurisdictional conclusion in Covalt appears to relate only to power lines. For example, the Supreme Court found the PUC exercised its "authority to adopt a policy on power line electric and magnetic fields." (Id. at p. 926,
"A demurrer tests 'only the legal sufficiency of the complaint.' " (Title Inc. Co. v. Comerica Bank-California (1994)
It is possible that in a summary judgment motion, or at another point in the trial process, evidence will reflect the PUC has jurisdiction over EMF claims related to substations because the PUC has policy on the subject; however, at this point, looking at the face of the FAC, the facts as pled do not fall within Covalt. (See Greener v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (1993)
H. CONCLUSION
The parties agree that the only issue on appeal is whether the PUC has exclusive jurisdiction over plaintiffs' claims. We conclude the PUC does not have exclusive jurisdiction; the trial court has jurisdiction over the claims raised by plaintiffs.
*326DISPOSITION
The judgment is reversed. Appellants are awarded their costs on appeal.
We concur:
McKINSTER, Acting P.J.
KING, J.
Background information about electrical distribution systems: "In order for electricity to flow, there must be a complete circuit. In other words, when electricity is sent out ... it must have a return path. Typically, electricity is sent over one conductor (wire), called the 'hot,' and returns on another conductor called the neutral." (Wilson, supra, 234 Cal.App.4th at p. 130,
All subsequent statutory references will be to the Public Utilities Code, unless otherwise indicated.
Section 1702 provides, in relevant part, "Complaint may be made by the commission of its own motion or by any corporation or person ... by written petition or complaint, setting forth any act or thing done or omitted to be done by any public utility, including any rule or charge heretofore established or fixed by or for any public utility, in violation or claimed to be in violation, of any provision of law or of any order or rule of the commission."
For ease of reference, as set forth ante, the Covalt questions are: (1) whether the PUC has the authority to adopt a policy on (a) the alleged problematic/risky condition, e.g., stray voltage, and (b) "what action, if any, the utilities should take to minimize that risk"; (2) whether the PUC has exercised its authority to adopt a policy concerning the problematic/risky condition; and (3) whether the lawsuit would hinder or interfere with that policy. (Covalt, supra, 13 Cal.4th at pp. 923, 926, 935,
Section 1759 provides: "(a) No court of this state, except the Supreme Court and the court of appeal, to the extent specified in this article, shall have jurisdiction to review, reverse, correct, or annul any order or decision of the commission or to suspend or delay the execution or operation thereof, or to enjoin, restrain, or interfere with the commission in the performance of its official duties, as provided by law and the rules of court. [¶] (b) The writ of mandamus shall lie from the Supreme Court and from the court of appeal to the commission in all proper cases as prescribed in Section 1085 of the Code of Civil Procedure."
Edison requests this court take judicial notice of (1) the Los Angeles County Superior Court's invitation for the PUC to file an amicus brief in a case pending in that county; and (2) a June 2014 amicus brief the PUC filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, in response to the invitation. It appears both documents are part of a court record in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Accordingly, we grant the request for judicial notice, as required by law. (Evid. Code, §§ 452, subd. (d), 453.)
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.