Utilities Black Out Customers On Purpose to Prevent Wildfires in California

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, reports that utilities in California are deliberately cutting off power to tens of thousands of residents to prevent potential wildfires. Companies like PG&E have shut off power to over 60,000 customers across multiple counties as strong, dry winds raise fire risks. McIntyre explains that high winds can damage overhead power lines, which may then ignite dry ground and spark devastating wildfires—a risk that’s difficult to manage in real time.