SDG&E explains countersuit threat to establish rights

The plans by San Diego Gas & Electric to counter-sue October 2007 fire victims serves the purpose of establishing the utility’s legal rights and obligation limits in the event of a lawsuit against SDG&E.

“We find ourselves in the middle of litigation, and it’s our obligation to our customers as well as our shareholders to preserve our legal rights,” said SDG&E spokesperson Stephanie Donovan. “If these cases go to trial we want to make sure all of the evidence is on the table.”

The preliminary assessment is that the Witch, Guajito, and Rice fires were caused by SDG&E power lines, and 15 class-a...