REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 9, 2025
FROM
TERRY W. THOMPSON, Director, Real Estate Services Department
LUTHER SNOKE, Chief Executive Officer, County Administrative Office
SUBJECT
Title
Declaration of Intent to Grant a Revenue Franchise to Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc.
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Adopt Resolution declaring the intent of the Board of Supervisors to grant a revenue franchise to Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc., to operate an electric utility within County public roads and rights-of-way, for the period commencing on the effective date of the ordinance granting the franchise and terminating 10 years thereafter.
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to schedule a public hearing on October 7, 2025, to introduce an ordinance to grant an electric franchise to Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc.
(Presenter: Terry W. Thompson, Director, 387-5000)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County. Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). This item will allow the County to proceed with the application process to grant a franchise to Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. (BVES), under the calculation formula provided for in Public Utilities Code section 6231. This action will not impact ratepayers in the County unincorporated area. Revenue to the General Fund is expected to be approximately $149,000 annually.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Since 1929, BVES has provided electrical power to customers in Big Bear and the surrounding areas. BVES operated as a division of Golden State Water Company (GSWC) under a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued in 1971....
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