4 ms·

That is the narrative PG&E is trying to push but I am not buying it. What seems to be the case instead is that "best-in-class industry practises" would be comp

That is the narrative PG&E is trying to push but I am not buying it. What seems to be the case instead is that "best-in-class industry practises" would be completely fine but are deemed to be too expensive. So their choices are: - Actually employ best practices. - half-ass it and possibly be punished for it (too risky). - Moan loudly about how horrible everything is, shutdown much more than necessary and wail how you are "forced" to do that. If you are obnoxious enough about it for long enough some legislation will be passed to allow you to half-ass it. -

Blackstone4 7y ago
Ask yourself, what does the law incentivize in a situation like this? I'm not saying that PG&E is not to blame...it may well be that they've done a bad job but it's not black & white. I feel like the opinions you outlined above reflect the public narrative… that PG&E are the devil and 100% to blame for everything when the fires were caused by multiple factors…i.e. PG&E equipment, weather conditions, fire service etc. Public narrative is a gross oversimplification and those in a position of power control that narrative (i.e. the politicians).
dahdum 7y ago
Those best practices are deemed too expensive by the CPUC, who has authority over the PG&E budget and retail rates. PG&E is legally allowed only a small profit as a percentage of revenue. Without it they couldn’t raise private capital, and would require public funds directly. They have every incentive to spend as much money on maintenance as is required, assuming the politicians allow the rates to rise.
- inferiorhuman 7y ago
  PG&E is legally allowed only a small profit as a percentage of revenue. Without it they couldn’t raise private capital, and would require public funds directly. They have every incentive to spend as much money on maintenance as is required, assuming the politicians allow the rates to rise. They also have an obligation to spend their safety budget ON SAFETY RELATED ACTIVITIES. Instead they blew their wad on a cash bonus for the CEO. If they can't find the money to maintain their equipment maybe it's time to claw back the $100,000,000 they stole.
- LorenPechtel 7y ago
  Exactly. Don't give them the budget but expect them to do it anyway.
  - inferiorhuman 7y ago
    https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-diverted-safety-money-for-profit-bonuses-2500175.php https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-diverted-safety-... How about we just get that money back before jacking up rates?

Blackstone4 7y ago

Ask yourself, what does the law incentivize in a situation like this? I'm not saying that PG&E is not to blame...it may well be that they've done a bad job but it's not black & white. I feel like the opinions you outlined above reflect the public narrative… that PG&E are the devil and 100% to blame for everything when the fires were caused by multiple factors…i.e. PG&E equipment, weather conditions, fire service etc. Public narrative is a gross oversimplification and those in a position of power control that narrative (i.e. the politicians).

dahdum 7y ago

Those best practices are deemed too expensive by the CPUC, who has authority over the PG&E budget and retail rates. PG&E is legally allowed only a small profit as a percentage of revenue. Without it they couldn’t raise private capital, and would require public funds directly. They have every incentive to spend as much money on maintenance as is required, assuming the politicians allow the rates to rise.

inferiorhuman 7y ago
PG&E is legally allowed only a small profit as a percentage of revenue. Without it they couldn’t raise private capital, and would require public funds directly. They have every incentive to spend as much money on maintenance as is required, assuming the politicians allow the rates to rise. They also have an obligation to spend their safety budget ON SAFETY RELATED ACTIVITIES. Instead they blew their wad on a cash bonus for the CEO. If they can't find the money to maintain their equipment maybe it's time to claw back the $100,000,000 they stole.
LorenPechtel 7y ago
Exactly. Don't give them the budget but expect them to do it anyway.
- inferiorhuman 7y ago
  https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-diverted-safety-money-for-profit-bonuses-2500175.php https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-diverted-safety-... How about we just get that money back before jacking up rates?