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Comment by dmode | Hacker News Reader

I have no idea why this shutdown was initiated. It had been much warmer and drier earlier in the summer. It is actually quite pleasant and cold these days, with morning dew. And no winds. I have no idea why these conditions warrant power shutoff

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The intensity of these blackouts is driven not just by weather, but by a major change in risk assessment by the utilities. PG&E, the utility that services most of northern California, was sued by a number of insurance entities after it was found that their equipment was the cause of several major wildfires over the last few years. Most notably the 2018 Camp Fire, which was the deadliest and most expensive wildfire in California history.

But most importantly, it's what didn't happen: the state of California did not bail out or grant PG&E immunity from these lawsuits. PG&E settled with the insurance entities and has since filed for bankruptcy protection, since the possible liability is larger than their market cap.

The blackouts are a way to minimize further risk and liability. But I would also guess that the intensity of blackouts is a not so subtle middle finger by the utilities to the state government for its resigned treatment of these issues.

> It had been much warmer and drier earlier in the summer.

Warmer yes, but dryer definitely not. Earlier in the summer there is still moisture left over from the previous rainy season. By mid fall it is much dryer, and the risk is increased by offshore winds coming from inland.

It was this time last year that an entire town got wiped off the California map and 80+ people died because of fires sparked by PG&E's horribly-maintained power lines. You think they want that to happen again?

> I have no idea why this shutdown was initiated.

Because Jeffrey Skilling just got out of prison and he wants to hold California’s energy ransom for payment to a random bitcoin address

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