[Trust but Verify]

They probably have information from the utilities describing the event that leads them to think it was equipment failure follwed by designed shutdown to protect the system. Why do they so quickly rule out terrorism? In this case, I think it is because they can. And to stop the rampant speculation, panic, etc.

[HitmanLV]

I think it is presumptious on balance, though in this case it is probably valid.

I do think they are too quick to rule out foul play, as a matter of course. I don't think they would ever say 'this looks like foul play' early in the game, unless they absoloutley had to (like a 747 cruising through the empire state building, or something).