Utilities Implement Preventative Power Shutoffs To Reduce Fires

U.S. utilities are increasingly using weather data and AI-driven models to enact preventative public safety power shutoffs, the article reports, with Xcel Energy cutting power for more than 50,000 Colorado customers and PG&E operating over 1,600 weather stations. Utilities cite wildfire risk, liability and model-informed recommendations — PG&E combines station data, global forecasts and third-party products like Technosylva. This trend affects Western states and energy planning.