Is the cleanest, greenest electricity in the world green enough for California? For years, the people of the northern San Joaquin Valley have been trying to get hydropower recognized for what it is: the original source of clean electricity. Our efforts have been stymied by people who feel entitled to...
California Approves Power Outages to Prevent More Wildfires
SACRAMENTO — California regulators on Thursday approved allowing utilities to cut off electricity to possibly hundreds of thousands of customers to avoid catastrophic wildfires like the one sparked by power lines last year that killed 85 people and largely destroyed the city of Paradise. Utilities' liability can reach billions of...
With Big Storms Coming, Here Are 8 Ways to Stay Safe
They're getting closer. A series of storms expected to bring rain and gusty wind to the Valley floor and snow to the southern Sierra is on a path to arrive late Wednesday and ramp up through Thursday. Charged-up weather increases the likelihood of fallen limbs, downed power lines and electricity...
Judge: PG&E Put Profits Over Wildfire Safety
SAN FRANCISCO — A U.S. judge berated Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. on Wednesday, accusing the nation's largest utility of enriching shareholders instead of clearing trees that can fall on its power lines and start fires and making "excuses" to avoid turning off electricity when fire risk is high. Judge...
PG&E, Facing Colossal Liability, Seeks Bankruptcy Protection
Pacific Gas and Electric said it plans to file for bankruptcy protection amid potentially massive liabilities resulting from the deadly California wildfires. The announcement Monday follows the resignation of the power company's chief executive Geisha Williams a day earlier. John Simon, the company' general counsel since 2017, will serve as...
Brown Signs Bill Phasing Fossil Fuels Out of Electricity
SACRAMENTO — California has set a goal of phasing out electricity produced by fossil fuels by 2045 under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown, who has positioned California as a global leader in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, approved the measure as he prepares to host...