utilities News

California Utilities Warn of Power Cuts on Risk of Wildfire

Almost two weeks after California utilities cut electricity to 2.3 million people, two major power providers warned they may have to halt supplies to thousands across California as strong, dry winds raise the wildfire threat across the state. No major …

Moody’s Says Wildfire Catastrophe Losses the New Normal in Calif.

California had long been a good bet for homeowners’ insurers, with most carriers having no problem recouping paid losses through premiums. But in 2017 and 2018, the state experienced six of the 10 most destructive wildfires in its history and …

Enbridge Texas Eastern Gas Pipe Remains Shut After Kentucky Blast

Canadian energy company Enbridge Inc said the section of its Texas Eastern pipe that killed one person when it exploded on Thursday remained shut while the company works with federal and state officials to investigate the incident. The blast near …

Heat Wave Broils Eastern, Central U.S., Utilities Poised for Demand

NEW YORK — A massive heat wave that has enveloped the U.S. Midwest pushed into the Northeast on Friday, ushering in temperatures that could top 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Washington, D.C., and leading utilities to take steps to prevent power …

California Cities Ask Newsom to Remove Hurdles for PG&E Assets

A new California law, a win for Governor Gavin Newsom, is intended to help utilities cover wildfire liabilities. But it’s also impeding the efforts of cities such as San Francisco that are seeking power independence. Now, they’re pressing Newsom to …

PG&E, Edison May Not Get California Help on Fires by July 12

California’s biggest utilities — PG&E Corp., Edison International and Sempra Energy — may not get the help they need to deal with multi-billion dollar wildfire liabilities before lawmakers adjourn July 12 for recess. Governor Gavin Newsom signaled that pending legislation …

Thanks to Drones, French Wine Tastes Better

The sun is shining over a vineyard in the Fronton region of southwestern France, where wine-growing began in Roman times. The only sound is the buzzing of a distant tractor. That’s about to be disrupted by a flying robot. Nikola …

California Water Utilities Seek Relief from Fire Lawsuits

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Facing more wildfires and the lawsuits that come with them, a group of public and private California water systems want lawmakers to shield them from having to pay damages caused by fires they did not start but …

With Billions at Stake, Utilities Fight to Charge Coal-Ash Costs

First, states across the U.S. ordered utilities to clean up ponds full of toxic coal waste. Now, they’re balking at how much companies want to charge for the work. Officials from Virginia to North Carolina to South Carolina are pushing …

California May Go Dark This Summer, and Most Aren’t Ready

A plan by California’s biggest utility to cut power on high-wind days during the onrushing wildfire season could plunge millions of residents into darkness. And most people aren’t ready. The plan by PG&E Corp. comes after the bankrupt utility said …