SACRAMENTO — Californians left in the dark by electric companies that shut off their power to prevent wildfires could get paid for things like lost wages or spoiled food under a bill being considered in the state Legislature. In a state plagued by catastrophic blazes started by strong winds knocking...
Power Returns in Merced After More Than 2 Hour Blackout
Nearly 15,000 PG&E customers in Merced were without electricity Friday for more than two hours likely because of vehicle accidents. Power was lost at 7:39 a.m. and returned about 10 a.m. "We have confirmed two separate car versus pole accidents in the area, one of which is being investigated as...
California Faces Historic Power Outage Due to Fire Danger
SAN FRANCISCO — Two years to the day after some of the deadliest wildfires tore through Northern California wine country, a utility announced Tuesday it will shut off power to more than 800,000 customers in the largest preventive outage in state history — to try to prevent wildfires caused by...
Power Outage Hits 17,000 Customers in Oakhurst, Coarsegold
Pacific, Gas & Electric personnel are working to restore power after an outage struck the Sierra foothills around Oakhurst and Coarsegold on Tuesday, affecting about 17,000 of the utility's customers. The outage struck about 1:55 p.m. and was described by PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles as a "transmission level" event. About...
Think Globally, Power Locally: Hydro Plants Serve Neighbors
WALKILL, N.Y. — Eat locally. Shop locally. Generate locally? Some electricity customers in New York's Hudson Valley support hydropower harnessed from running water close to home. The idea is similar to farm-to-table, except for electricity instead of food.: green-minded customers supporting an area renewable resource. And smaller hydro plants like...
Small Plane Hits Power Lines, Sinks in Lake Near Jamestown
JAMESTOWN — Witnesses said a small plane crashed into Lake Tulloch and sank just before noon Sunday after striking unmarked power lines. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office said the pilot was the only person on board when the plane hit the water nose first. Pilot Reportedly Showing Off His Skills...
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...
Israel Decides Netanyahu's Fate in National Election
JERUSALEM — Israeli voters decided Tuesday whether to give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu another term in office in a tight election that has become a referendum on his decade in power. Clouded by a series of looming corruption indictments, Netanyahu is seeking a fourth consecutive term and a fifth overall,...
PG&E Vows to Improve Wildfire Prevention
SAN FRANCISCO — Up to 5 million California customers could temporarily lose power this year in the name of wildfire prevention if regulators approve Pacific Gas & Electric's $2.3 billion safety proposal submitted Wednesday. PG&E unveiled the preventive blackout strategy for the first time late last year, getting regulatory permission...
Judge Proposes Ordering PG&E to Shut Off Power for Wildfires
SAN FRANCISCO — To prevent wildfires, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. should re-inspect its entire electric grid and cut off power during certain wind conditions regardless of the inconvenience to customers or loss of profit, a U.S. judge proposed Wednesday. Judge William Alsup said in a court order his goal...