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California Utility Faces Gripes Over Deliberate Blackouts

Associated Press

   LOS ANGELES - Even as the winds gusted dangerously just as forecasters
   predicted, California's biggest utility faced gripes and
   second-guessing Thursday for shutting off electricity to millions of
   people to prevent its equipment from sparking wildfires.

   Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Pacific Gas & Electric, and ordinary
   customers complained about the inconveniences caused by the
   unprecedented blackouts that began Wednesday, with many wondering: Has
   PG&E gone too far in its attempt to ward off another deadly fire
   season? And could the utility have been more targeted in deciding whose
   electricity was turned off and when?

   PG&E, though, suggested it was already seeing the wisdom of its
   decision borne out. Gusts topping 75 mph (121 kph) raked the San
   Francisco Bay Area, and relatively small fires broke out around the
   state amid a bout of dry, windy weather.

   "We have had some preliminary reports of damage to our lines. So we'll
   have to repair those damages before we can safely energize the line,"
   spokesman Paul Doherty said.

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