I suspect that the power companies have been squeezed so much that they can no longer maintain their power lines and safe space around them. Maybe due to cost or regulations.
The enviro rules have changed such that they cannot properly clear brush from around/under power lines.
Happening in NM, too.
I have a stretch of mountain land with a large electrical easement across it. For 50 years, the utility has dutifully cleared it.
The utility cannot do so legally, even with my permission. I can, legally to make way for cattle. So I have. Mind you I don’t drive cattle from one end of my fence line to the other for no reason. But I might see reason to.
Colorado used to be solid red. Same with NM and Calif. When they change they don’t go back. Voter ID and immigration reform won’t change it. We’ll be lucky to keep Nevada purple as Oregon and Washington are lost too.
A generation of education turnaround could help. So could more conservative economic growth but only if our representatives fight for it.