The CPUC said it will ensure that it will take action to hold the investor-owned utilities accountable if their actions related to recent power outages resulted in violations of statutes or its rules and regulations.
In a statement, Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, said, “It is important for the CPUC to determine if the utilities complied with using Public Safety Power Shut-offs as a last resort, and to collect the knowledge gained towards any revisions needed for next year. It is essential that our protocols and the utilities’ practices provide the best service and protections for customers in the face of wildfires.”
The state’s investor-owned electric utilities, notably PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E implemented power outages in September and October during the extremely dry, hot and windy weather conditions to reduce the risk of electric system damages that could start wildfires.
Last month, PG&E’s consecutive power outages alone affected almost 1.1 million customers in multiple counties. The company suffered sharp criticisms over the preemptive blackouts. Critics said the company’s decision threatened people’s lives.
