California criticizes Edison over outages after windstorm
State regulators on Wednesday slammed Southern California Edison for outages that left nearly a quarter of a million customers without power —- some for more than a week — during a windstorm late last year.
In a preliminary report, the California Public Utilities Commission concluded that some equipment, including 21 wooden poles and 17 cables used to stabilize them, did not meet safety standards.
Regulators also criticized Edison for what they said was a slow response to restore power to residents and businesses.
The report comes after weeks of complaints by San Gabriel Valley residents and community leaders over the scope and duration of the power outrages caused by the winds on the night of Nov. 30 and in the early hours of Dec. 1.
-- Hector Becerra, Los Angeles Times
Photo: A fallen tree blocks most of Green St. west of Catalina Ave. in Pasadena on Thursday, December 1, 2011. Winds caused damage throughout Pasadena. Credit: Raul Roa / Times Community News