I feel sorry for these people that got the service turned off. However, this is what happens when lawsuits bill huge sums of money for something that probably was not related to the overhead lines in that area of California. PG&E is losing tons of revenue and probably does not want to do it in the first place. People in this area of California, prone to wildfires probably should invest in a generator or relocate. This is also probably not the last time this will happen unless someone takes serious action to allow the utility to operate normally.

It appears that some customers are very unhappy with having their service turned off. So much so, that they are threatening utility workers and possibly attacking them. Nothing good will come of that... Perhaps utility workers will need a security escort to enter these areas to do their job and bill that service to the customers also. See attached...
https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-power-outage-frustrations-pge-office-vandalized-truck-shot

If they don't use a propane or a natural gas generator, they will likely need to drive to an area with electricity, in order to purchase gas to run said generator...

You can probably look at the telephone company as an example of what happens.
You get lots of smaller companies that figure out how to run their business the best way to increase profit.
Some people might get better service or better rates, others might not...

The enormous cost of underground high voltage transmission line installation, assuming that is ever done, will likely be added to the local bills in that area. And you can bet, that cost will be more than you can imagine. Electrical service will become a luxury to those willing to pay a bill that makes a monthly house mortgage look like getting a bottle of water.

Exactly... Normally, a utility requires a 100 foot right of way in the area of a transmission line to clear vegetation and maintain the transmission line. This is supposed to allow the utility access to that area any time clearing or maintenance is required. No permanent structures are allowed in that right of way either, because they would block utility access to critical maintenance activities. This does not mean that they own that land, but they do need access to it.

I am curious why no one in these areas of California that are prone to wildfires, have not decided to have controlled burns sometimes to avoid a gigantic, disastrous forest fire. Seems like this could change the demographics and make people's lives better. Forest fires happen naturally in some arid places, so if it was controlled, everyone could be safer and happier. Firemen could go out and clear areas to control the burn safely, make sure no property was damaged, no people hurt. Utilities could clear their right of ways, etc, etc.. Just seems logical to me, but I don't hear anyone discussing things like that anywhere...

It's really strange how different parts of the USA have a different perspective. I have lots of huge pine trees in my yard that dump pine straw and cones all over my yard, almost all the time. So, I am constantly cleaning up pine straw and cones so my grass will grow and my yard will look presentable, like my neighbors. The trees also drop all kinds of debris on my vehicles, which I also have to constantly clean off. Twice in the past 10 years or so, I have had tree limbs or entire trees fall on my roof and cause damage. They are a major pain and I just wish I could remove them all and plant nice small trees that look presentable, probably slow growing oak trees. However, the homeowner's association in my neighborhood will not allow any large trees to be removed without permission in writing (and I have asked). So, I am stuck with all these huge trees that I hate. The pine trees in my yard are the tallest in the general area, so they are also like a target for lightning. They are gigantic and several have been struck in recent years. I do have a riding lawnmower with a bagging attachment that makes cleaning up the pine straw a little easier, but it is a constant struggle. Having said all that, there is no way that I would want to live in a forest. My yard would never be clean, assuming I had a yard.

If I lose electric service for more than an hour, I am going to move my manual transfer switch to the "generator" position and crank that baby up with the electric start. The refrigerator will be the 1st thing checked to make sure it still works and all my stuff in there is ok.

You are correct. However, all of mine are alive and well, dropping crap all over the place.
During Katrina, one fell across the street near my house and no one could get in or out of my subdivision.
The city came with some machinery and moved it so the road was opened again.
Another one fell across another street and took 2 dormer windows off a neighbor's 2 story house.
Just sheered them right off...
Another time, one broke off about 20 feet up and punched a hole in my roof that you could drive a car through.
I hate trees...

That is a very beautiful use of a tree stump. Very artistic... I had one about the same size and I dug around it for several days, then chopped on it with an axe for about a week. Got out my electric saw and sawed what was left into the ground about a foot. After that, I filled the hole with dirt and planted grass over it. I also put used kitty litter in the hole, just for spite. You can't even tell it was ever there now and I am exceedingly pleased that it is removed and no traces are left. I would never have thought to use it for art. I was so upset that it crashed through my roof that I just wanted it gone and so did my neighbors. I also cut up the trunk that fell into pieces about 2-3 feet long with my chain saw, so I could roll the pieces to the curb and there were about 20 pieces or so. Took the city about a week to pick up the pieces. Another tree of similar size in my yard fell into a neighbor's yard across my fence. He began to clean up the debris and I came over to help out. He indicated that that was not required since it was in his yard, but I told him that I felt responsible, since the tree was originally in my yard. So, we both cleaned up the pieces together. We were friends after that...

I sure am sorry to hear about another fire...
Seems like an ongoing story that just won't go away.
I hope that this was not arson, but if it was, I hope that the perpetrator can be identified and dealt with swiftly.
This person or persons should be liable for any property damage or loss of life accordingly, as with any other criminal.
Arson on this scale will be a major offense.

You can bet that PG&E knows exactly how many lost power and how much revenue that they missed out on.
They might not publish that information, but rest assured, they know exactly what the number is...
They have plenty of accountants, computers and other cubicle related people that are creating reports on exactly what the damage is.
They probably will meet in a big board room and do a presentation with graphs and charts on it.

Somebody in that vehicle has had the tachometer in the red region where there could be engine damage.
I hope that there was no serious issues...
They only have about 50,000 miles, so it would be a shame to damage such a nice vehicle..

The official talking about what charges would be filed against the trash truck that started the fire said that they had not decided what charges would be filed. That seems a little strange. I wonder if the trash truck might be responsible for the trailers that were destroyed by the fire that he started? If my trailer was destroyed by a fire these people started, I might be seeking some legal assistance.

I guess that makes sense. I wonder if insurance will cover a trailer destroyed by fire caused like that. I would be willing to bet that the insurance companies involved will seek compensation from the trash truck company.