As Heatwave Cooks US, 150+ Groups Urge Leaders to Ban Deadly Utility Shutoffs

As Heatwave Cooks US, 150+ Groups Urge Leaders to Ban Deadly Utility Shutoffs | Common Dreams

3 comments

Don't they shut off electricity when there's system-wide danger? Like, the system can't keep up with demand and will shut everything down unless they reduce demand by cycling blackouts. Not ideal, but the alternative a blackout for everyone. I don't think utility companies like blackouts either. It's lost profits. You could encourage or enforce them to increase capacity, but that doesn't look like it's being addressed.
- I think this is about shutting off individual customers because they're behind on their bill, not rolling blackouts to protect the grid from collapsing.
  "Since taking office Trump has stripped Americans of access to lifesaving measures, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which help more than 8 million working families pay their utility bills," CBD noted.
  
  Reminder that if we taxed the rich (and corporations) their fair share we could just pay for everyone's basic needs and have plenty leftover for the broader betterment of society