Blackouts

Politics

California cut coal from its energy supply. Why it might plug back into fossil fuels

For years, California refused to create a Western mega energy market over concerns about fossil fuels and union jobs. But now, the idea is closer than ever.

By Alejandro Lazo and Jeanne Kuang • August 6, 2025

WhatMatters

Blackouts loom as record heat wave blankets California

California teetered on the edge of rolling blackouts Tuesday, as the state entered the most sweltering stretch of a heat wave that Gov. Gavin Newsom described in a video message as “the hottest and the longest on record for this state and many parts of the West for the month of September.” As high-temperature records […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 7, 2022

WhatMatters

A do-or-die day for California’s power grid

Today, California’s power grid is poised to face its biggest test of the summer so far as a record-setting heat wave continues to boil the drought-parched, fire-stricken state. As residents crank up their air conditioners to deal with yet another day of triple-digit temperatures, peak demand could shoot past 51,000 megawatts — surpassing the record […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 6, 2022

WhatMatters

Can California keep lights on over Labor Day?

Note: Due to the holiday weekend, the newsletter will pause until Tuesday. Californians’ energy conservation efforts and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency proclamation freeing up additional supplies helped the state avoid a Wednesday shortfall that could have resulted in rolling blackouts as an extreme heat wave strained the electric grid, California’s Independent System Operator said Thursday. […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 2, 2022

WhatMatters

The Diablo is in the details

At least two days of statewide Flex Alerts asking Californians to voluntarily conserve energy amid an extreme heat wave that could last more than a week, pushing temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal and endangering vulnerable communities. Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaiming a state of emergency to take last-ditch measures to keep people’s lights and […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 1, 2022

WhatMatters

California’s climate countdown: Can the state power through it?

It’s climate crunch time in California. Starting today and lasting through Thursday, generators and transmission-line operators should delay any scheduled maintenance to avoid possible power outages as Californians crank up their air conditioners to deal with an expected onslaught of 100-plus degree heat, the state’s electric grid operator said Friday. The California Independent System Operator’s […]

By Emily Hoeven • August 15, 2022

WhatMatters

Inside California’s climate change paradox

A Bay Area train derailing from tracks overheated by an early-summer heat wave, sending at least one person to the hospital. Lightning strikes killing a woman and her two dogs in Southern California and injuring a man pushing a baby stroller in Kern County. A wildfire causing PG&E power outages so persistent that Stanford University […]

By Emily Hoeven • June 24, 2022

Commentary

Restricting natural gas in California is a recipe for blackouts

Electric-only advocates assume that renewable energy alone can power California; instead, we may pay the price with blackouts.

By Guest Commentary • March 11, 2022

WhatMatters

Get ready for more wind, fires, blackouts

When it comes to California’s fire season, there’s no rest for the weary. Soon after PG&E began restoring power to the 24,000 customers hit with shutoffs amid Monday and Tuesday’s gusty winds, the utility warned another 29,000 customers could face blackouts starting Thursday morning, when a second round of powerful winds is expected to pummel […]

By Emily Hoeven • October 13, 2021

WhatMatters

Top PG&E regulator resigns

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, September 29. Another big appointment for Newsom California’s top utility regulator is resigning from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration as the state struggles to rein in massive wildfires and ensure its electrical grid keeps power flowing to residents’ homes. Marybel Batjer, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, announced Tuesday that […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 29, 2021