Debate over using large-scale blackouts to prevent wildfires in California has become more urgent as the state heads into another fire season.

The Zogg Fire started when a leaning tree struck a PG&E power line, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

California regulators are trying to avoid a repeat of last year’s unprecedented use of PSPS to prevent utility equipment from igniting wildfires.

New PG&E CEO Patti Poppe vowed change as she laid out her vision for the utility, which reported a loss of $1.05/share for 2020.

Pacific Gas & Electric submitted its latest wildfire prevention plan to the California Public Utilities Commission as it faces threats of intense scrutiny.

The CPUC and state emergency officials told Southern California Edison that it had mishandled its public safety power shutoffs in 2020.

The California PUC ordered utilities to hasten the creation of microgrids, including establishing a $200 million incentive program for high risk communities

PG&E canceled its anticipated blackouts after saying it might shut off power to nearly 400,000 residents to prevent wildfires.

The California PUC might implement the strict regimen of oversight and enforcement that PG&E agreed to last year as part of its bankruptcy plan.

PG&E acknowledged it needs to get better at notifying local authorities and customers before shutting off power to prevent wildfires.