California Utilities Fined $22M Over 2020 Power Shutoffs; PG&E Owes $12M

San Francisco CA

16 June, 2022

11:18 AM

Description

CBS San Francisco June 16, 2022 California utilities will be fined more than $22 million for the "poor execution" of widespread power shutoffs two years ago that were designed to prevent devastating wildfires, the state's Public Utilities Commission announced Wednesday. The regulators announced $12 million in fines against Pacific Gas & Electric, $10 million against Southern California Edison and $24,000 against San Diego Gas & Electric. The companies, along with the PacifiCorp power company, also were ordered to take corrective action to comply with public safety and notification requirements, the agency said in a statement. All three companies were criticized for their chaotic and unprepared handling of public safety power shutoffs in October 2019 that were designed to deactivate power lines during times of expected dry, hot and windy weather to prevent downed or fouled equipment from sparking wildfires. CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.