Power Supply Back in California After Power Cut Since Wednesday

California has seen lights again as the power was switched on.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the state's main power supplier, had shut off the power on Wednesday to prevent more wildfires, as high winds were damaging power equipment. According to the report, the wind traveled as fast as 70 mph on Wednesday up to the following day.

Around 800,000 customers were affected, but at least 99% were restored, according to PG&E official Summer Singh.

The utility company also claimed that at least 50 parts of its system, including some downed lines, were damaged due to the wind. 

Although the action was deemed necessary, the financial impact was no joke. According to the Deputy City Manager Kip Harkness, the city of San Jose alone had lost at least half a million dollars, mostly coming from fuel costs for generators and supplies. Mayor Sam Liccardo of the same city even demands compensation from the PG&E.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California criticized PG&E over this action. According to him, the state would not have to suffer from mass blackouts if it were not for their years of mismanagement. He also claimed that the company had prioritized profit over public safety, calling them greedy.

Despite all of these criticisms, PG&E remained steadfast for their claim that this measure was for the safety of the residents.

PG&E was previously blamed for the "deadliest and most destructive" wildfire in November 2018 that has killed 85 people and destroyed at least 19,000 homes. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection claimed that fire came from the electric transmission line of PG&E. Due to the damages, PG&E will face an estimated $30 billion worth of liabilities, forcing them to file for bankruptcy protection in January.

Saddleridge fire

As of Sunday morning, 41% of the 7,900 acre-wide Saddleridge fire was contained. Officials claimed that the cooler temperature, onshore winds, and higher humidity levels were among the contributing factor for this significant improvement.

According to a report, at least 31 infrastructures had been destroyed.

Although there was a previous report that the fire came from burning trash dumped beside the highway, the real cause has yet to be determined. But some Sylmar residents claimed that they have seen some flames coming from a transmission tower near Saddle Ridge Road. 

Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said that they believed the witnesses, as the investigators were already suspecting that the fire started in the same area where the transmission tower is located.

Southern California Edison claimed the tower but also said it was too early to assign responsibility because determining the cause of the fire is a long process. Spokesperson Sally Jeun also noted that the priority right now is the safety of the residents, but they are willing to cooperate with the investigator.

By the last afternoon of Saturday, evacuation orders were lifted on at least 23,000 homes.