The article over states a bit. They filed for bankruptcy in 2001. We pay increased rates. Currently they are facing suits in the neighborhood of $30-$50 billion, far in excess of their insurances. They have no real choice. Most of the fires are not their fault. Many are the result of trees falling into lines during wind events on low humidity, sometimes single digit humidity days.
They are thwarted every time they try to cut a tree. In my area, they often need an armed officer to protect them while they trim. In Lafayette I was asked to sign a petition to prevent PG&E from cutting and removing trees.
Also, even when the cause is not their fault, they still are sued. when they turn off the power during wind events, they get sued. Basically, they get sued.
There are plenty of idiots who want a government take over of the utility. these people do not realize the state then assumes the liability. The state run utility may not raise rates but the state will raise taxes to pay for the suits. The whole thing of a state run utility is laughable. They cannot maintain the roads. There is no way they can maintain the power grid.
I laugh at the brain-addled LIBs and at the cillegal invaders who are there. Hahahahahhaaaahahahahahahaaaaaahahahahaha!
“The first thing we do is kill all the lawyers”
Won't matter in California. I've had some experience with California jurors. They don't think like normal people.