California's Abandoned Power Lines: A Ticking Time Bomb?
2025-02-24
Across drought-stricken California, unused high-voltage power lines pose a significant wildfire risk. Recent fires, including the Eaton Fire which killed 17, have been linked to these dormant lines. The state lacks a comprehensive inventory of these lines, and utilities are slow to remove them, even after de-energization, due to potential re-energization through electromagnetic induction. This raises concerns about utility responsibility, regulatory oversight, and the need for improved management of these lines to mitigate future wildfire risks. Lawsuits and investigations are underway, highlighting the lack of clear guidelines and proactive measures to address this potentially devastating problem.