SoCal Gas resumes natural gas services after nearly a year in Rancho Palos Verdes

In California, specifically in the Rancho Palos Verdes area, SoCal Gas has initiated efforts to restore natural gas services after a prolonged suspension that started in July 2024. The discontinuation of services was a response to significant land movement in the Portuguese Bend community, which posed dangers to the integrity of the gas lines. In September 2024, this situation escalated when Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to severe storms exacerbating the land movement, resulting in shifts averaging between 9 to 12 inches per week. This prompted the city to declare a local emergency, urging evacuations and the collection of important items for residents. The community has faced considerable difficulties, with the mayor predicting that the loss of gas service would be the first major consequence of the land instability. Recent activities on-site have involved crews digging and installing new infrastructure to bring natural gas back to customers. As the restoration progress unfolds, SoCal Gas reported that they will conduct door-to-door engagements to reactivate services for around 22 customers expected to regain gas access by July 2025. However, the situation remains complicated since certain properties in the area were deemed too damaged to permit the safe return of gas services. To address the unpredictable land movement, SoCal Gas stated that improvements are ongoing, such as the installation of automatic shutoff valves, which will enhance monitoring and response capabilities against further geological shifts. The ongoing land movement continues to affect many residents in Rancho Palos Verdes. Some homeowners have opted to participate in an available buyout program, which allocates $42 million in assistance from FEMA and the state to provide residents with options to relocate. Encouragingly, there are indications from SoCal Gas that the rate of land movement has slowed in several areas, including Seaview and Portuguese Bend Beach Club, suggesting that the risks may be decreasing, albeit with ongoing assessments required in other neighborhoods before utilities can safely be reinstated. Community members are holding their breath as they await the complete restoration of services and the outlook of their living conditions, which were drastically impacted over the course of nearly a year.