Public Works

Cherry Avenue Utility Undergrounding

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Background

The City of Long Beach, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE), is identifying possible undergrounding sites in Long Beach to comply with regulatory requirements outlined by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), SCE and Long Beach Municipal Code.

Undergrounding utilities is the process of moving overhead power lines and other utility services below ground. This process improves the appearance of an area, enhances public safety and reduces hazards, and improves Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility.

The City has identified Cherry Avenue, from 53rd Street to State Route 91, as it fulfills many of the criteria required, including a high number of overhead power lines, heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and serving as a major arterial route. Moving powerlines underground along Cherry Avenue will bring improvements to the mixed-use area, benefiting both residents and businesses who use the corridor.

This portion of Cherry Avenue also connects to improvement projects along Artesia Boulevard and Market Street, further integrating Long Beach’s upgraded streetscape. This undergrounding effort will prepare the corridor for future infrastructure improvements in the City’s future capital improvement programs.

Project Scope

• Removal of 1.5 miles of overhead transmission and distribution powerlines and supporting poles by installing underground utility facilities 

Project Funding

Undergrounding along Cherry Avenue will be funded using approximately $21 million of the existing CPUC’s Rule 20A credits.

In 1967, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created electric tariff Rule 20, which guides electric utility companies like Southern California Edison (SCE) in planning undergrounding projects. Rule 20 can be divided into Rules 20A, 20B and 20C, each of which has specific criteria.
Rule 20A underground conversion projects are funded by all of SCE’s collective ratepayers. Under Rule 20A, SCE established an annual allocation of “work credits” to the City of Long Beach. On June 3, 2021, the CPUC issued Decision 21-06-013, requiring SCE to discontinue allocating new Rule 20A work credits after Dec. 31, 2022. All credits must now be used before December 31, 2033, on a project approved by SCE.

See the CPUC Rule 20 Resources for more information.

Timeline

Objectives

• Enhance sidewalk accessibility for pedestrians and motorists in busy areas and improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance
• Contribute to the beautification of the Hamilton, McKinley, Neyham and Lindbergh communities along Cherry Avenue
• Improve Long Beach’s streets and energy infrastructure using existing Southern California Edison funds from the CPUC’s Rule 20A Credit

More Information

• Cherry Avenue Utility Undergrounding Aerial Vicinity
• Cherry Avenue Utility Undergrounding Engineer's Report
• Cherry Avenue Utility Undergrounding Notice of Public Hearing 04.24.25
• Cherry Avenue Utility Undergrounding Public Hearing Intent - RES-25-0050

CPUC Rule 20 Resources                                 

• CPUC Rule 20 webpage
• Southern California Edison Electric Rule 20 Guidebook
• Long Beach Municipal Code Chaper 15.48 - Underground Utility Districts

Latest Updates

May 2025

On May 6, 2025, the City Council established Underground Utility District No. 42 along Cherry Avenue from 53rd Street to the south side of State Route 91. The Council found that it is in the public interest to move electric utility poles, overhead wires and associated structures underground along this segment. SCE is requested to complete the removal of above-ground infrastructure, underground utility installation and reconnection by Dec. 31, 2028. Please continue to visit this website for up-to-date information on the project.

April 2025

The City will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed project at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Bob Foster Civic Chambers at 411 W. Ocean Blvd. Project details, including a timeline, selected powerlines, and impacts on businesses and residents, will be determined once SCE completes their designs.