Thousands now in the dark as PG&E shutoffs spread across California

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOkay, so what actually happened? Thousands of people in California woke up to no power this morning, and I need to know why.

2. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorPG&E began shutting off electricity in several Northern California counties, KCRA reports, to keep wind-driven wildfires from starting.

3. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt is a planned shutoff, and thousands of customers are in the dark.

4. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOn purpose?

5. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOn purpose. Power lines can spark in high wind, so the utility cuts them first.

6. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt is a safety call, even if it is a miserable one.

7. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorDoes this affect me, if I live nowhere near California and my toaster works fine?

8. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNot directly. It is for customers in the affected counties, and the data does not say how many more could be added.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWhat happens next, and how long until the lights come back? Also, is the fridge okay?

10. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNobody has given a restoration time in our data, so that is unclear.

11. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe fridge is going to be fine if you keep the door shut, and I hope it knows it is loved.