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PG&E Deploys Drones, Prepares Shutoffs, Undergrounds 1,600 Miles

5/17/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

PG&E will deploy inspection drones and warned of public-safety power shutoffs in fifteen Northern California counties.
PG&E equipment has been blamed for 30 wildfires since 2017, including the 2018 Camp Fire that killed 85.
PG&E will open centers with restrooms, blankets, water, snacks, Wi-Fi and charging stations during shutoffs.
PG&E reports undergrounding 1,000 miles of lines in risk areas and plans 1,600 by year-end to cut wildfire risk by 18%.

History

Historical Context

California’s 1996 electricity-restructuring law (AB 1890) opened the market, and by 2000-01 Enron’s manipulation drove wholesale prices up about 800%, triggering rolling blackouts that left up to 1.5 million customers without power and prompting Governor Gray Davis to declare a state of emergency. The crisis led the California Public Utilities Commission to require PG&E’s drone inspections and underground-line upgrades to prevent repeat outages.

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Story summary

PG&E will deploy inspection drones and warned of public-safety power shutoffs in fifteen Northern California counties.
PG&E equipment has been blamed for 30 wildfires since 2017, including the 2018 Camp Fire that killed 85.
PG&E will open centers with restrooms, blankets, water, snacks, Wi-Fi and charging stations during shutoffs.
PG&E reports undergrounding 1,000 miles of lines in risk areas and plans 1,600 by year-end to cut wildfire risk by 18%.

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