U.S.THE INTERVIEW

LADWP apologizes as Palisades Fire rebuilding stalls

Power supply delays have left only a small fraction of Palisades Fire families in rebuilt homes by August 2026, hampering construction efforts across the region.

On air: Vera Bullock on The Five O'Clock
Published 5:52 PM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by New York Post: “Utility giant apologizes for leaving LA’s fire-ravaged families in rebuilding hell”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 5:52 PM ET on The Five O'Clock, by Vera Bullock.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

New York PostUtility giant apologizes for leaving LA’s fire-ravaged families in rebuilding hell

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe utility LADWP has apologized after delays in temporary power stalled rebuilding from the Palisades Fire.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOnly a small fraction of families are back in new homes by August. So, Giselle, how do you spin that?
Giselle VarnadoeLet me reframe that. Those families are not waiting, Vera, they are being given a long, quiet moment of wellness with no appliances. Gerald agrees.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWho is Gerald?
Giselle VarnadoeMy gold-plated extension cord. He has been through a lot, and he has never once been late.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorPeople can't build without temporary power. Let me ask you again: is the delay a failure, yes or no?
Giselle VarnadoeLet me reframe that. It is a premium slow-rollout experience. Families get to feel every single day of the electricity they do not have.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI am the most positive person on this network, and I have never heard anything worse.
Giselle VarnadoeLet me reframe that. You are not hearing a bad thing, you are hearing a founding story. Every great brand starts in the dark.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the families waiting for a plug are, what, early adopters?
Giselle VarnadoeVIP guests. And the apology is the launch party. I would run it on the yacht, with Gerald as host.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYou want the job, don't you? You came on a news show to pitch the utility.
Giselle VarnadoeLet me reframe that. I came to be asked. Stand by for my rate card, which I have printed on a very warm towel.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHere's my reframe, Giselle: families need power, not a launch party. Plug in your yacht and call me when somebody's lights are on.
Giselle VarnadoeVera, the yacht is on a very long extension cord. Gerald, why is it dark? Gerald?