Wow. This is a good story, well told, Walker Orenstein.

“The fact that they can disconnect people just with the push of a button makes it a thousand times more efficient,” said George Shardlow, executive director of the Energy Cents Coalition, which advocates for low-income utility customers and helps Xcel administer bill-assistance programs.

Xcel is cutting power to Minnesota homes in record numbers
Remote technology has made shut-offs easier, at a time when customers are struggling with debt.
By Walker Orenstein
The Minnesota Star Tribune
https://www.startribune.com/xcel-is-cutting-power-to-minnesota-homes-in-record-numbers/601336735?utm_source=gift

#Minnesota #electricity #SmartMeters #ShutOffs

Map of possible power shutoffs for SCE, due to high wind forecast/fire danger. Today and tomorrow. #firewx #PSPS #power #shutoffs #SCE

#PGE indicating #PSPS #power #shutoffs likely on 8/30 and 8/31 in Colusa, Lake, Shasta, Yolo, Glenn, Napa, and Tehama counties. #CAwx #wildfires #grid

As Profits Soar, US Utilities Lavish Shareholders While Shutting Off Power for Millions
https://www.commondreams.org/news/utility-shutoffs-shareholders
Still haven't figured out that capitalists are quite ready to see us die, if it will mean more zeros in their reports to shareholders? The only thing that matters to them is the numbers--profit. That's all.
#Utilities #Shutoffs #Capitalism

#Utilities are cutting people off from life-saving services at alarming rates. 1.5M #shutoffs in 30 states & DC just last year. It’s time Congress recognize that access to energy is a #HumanRight and ban shutoffs. #UtilityJustice