Regulatory agency launches investigation into California wildfires; probes PG&E activities in fire z

[alp227]

Source: Mercury News

The state’s Public Utilities Commission has launched an investigation into whether PG&E’s maintenance of its power infrastructure in Sonoma and Napa counties may have played a role in the deadly fires in those regions.

The regulatory agency sent a letter to the utility ordering that it preserve all equipment possibly related to the string of fires, as well as internal communications discussing the disaster. The PUC president announced that his agency would focus on the energy company’s maintenance history.

“We are in contact with PG&E about their response, and we’ll be collecting information about maintenance history and vegetation management in these areas,” President Michael Picker said at the agency’s recent meeting (3 minute mark).

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/14/cpuc-launches-investigation-into-california-wildfires-probes-pge-activities-in-fire-zones/

[Wellstone ruled]

1. This is going to get real interesting

damn fast. Watch for a huge PR program coming from all the Utilities blaming the Home owners and the State.

[BigmanPigman]

2. One of the causes of the Witch Fire (2007)

was arching power lines. There were strong Santa Ana winds and it was during fire season (June- Oct). The fire destroyed over 1,500 homes in San Diego.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. One of the fires already reported to be wind+power line cause.

Altho I fail to see how PG&E cab "preserve" any lines that have burnt up.