Originally Posted by Al
Blame it on Cali's bright idea of deregulation. Utilities could no longer afford to keep equipment in the condition that they were previously. Thanks to them that is now the way it is in all the U.S. That's why are electric infrastructure is in the condition that it is.
Deregulation brought Enron, bankrupt PG&E the first time.
Then it comes the San Bruno gas pipeline explosion, bankrupt PG&E the 2nd time (or is it almost bankrupt).
Then it comes the Camp Fire, bankrupt PG&E the 3rd time (or is it almost bankrupt).
Nobody will touch the risk again, so they shut down potential fire source (the power line hitting trees), what do you expect?
Infrastructures have a finite lifespan. If you have 100 years of quality services and you want another 100 years of quality service, you usually have to pay up. Just because it has been paid for in the last 50 years doesn't mean it will be paid for the next 50 years. This has nothing to do with regulation or deregulation.
Prices swing between almost free to 60c/KWh, that's deregulation.