Dish Seeks Restraining Order in Calif. Power Dispute

Dish Network filed an emergency motion for temporary restraining order against Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Friday at the California Public Utilities Commission, in a dispute affecting the wireless entrant’s ability to power 5G facilities (see 2208040016). Dish’s motion in docket C.22-08-002 also seeks an order to show cause why the CPUC shouldn’t issue a preliminary injunction. Dish sought “injunctive relief and emergency treatment to stop the irreparable harm that will result from PG&E’s unapproved material revision to its electric service tariff,” including cancelling some pending power applications “and substantial delay approving future applications.” Dish filed a separate motion to shorten time for PG&E to respond to the emergency motion. The Wireless Infrastructure Association asked to join the proceeding Thursday. Changes to how PG&E sells power to communications facilities “will have a significant negative impact on the entire wireless services industry,” WIA said. “PG&E’s new requirements and policies -- which were imposed without advice letter or Commission approval -- are unjust and unreasonable, and were adopted in violation of the Public Utilities Code and the Commission’s Rules.”