It's a war, that is the driver? Is that the question? Why in a war would you want to hurt the opponent? Collapsing the opponents power grid is a way to reduce

It's a war, that is the driver? Is that the question? Why in a war would you want to hurt the opponent? Collapsing the opponents power grid is a way to reduce the opponents ability to respond, to subdue them. Then once subdued and occupied, then re-build it. I think you would find there is always a balancing act in 'how much to destroy' in order to win, and also limit 'how hard will it be to rebuild once we've won'. But collapse is always part of it, because you are trying to win by hurting the other country.