A revelatory narrative with national implications, this account explores the decline of California's largest utility company, which led to devastating wildfires, including the destruction of Paradise. Pacific Gas & Electric, once a legacy company founded by innovators, played a crucial role in making California an economic powerhouse. A Wall Street Journal reporter and Pulitzer finalist examines how this legacy unraveled, revealing a history of failures where PG&E endangered millions through neglect of its infrastructure. As the company prioritized profits and politics, unchecked power lines culminated in the deadliest wildfire in California history, sparked by a rusted hook purchased for just 56 cents in 1921. The narrative begins with PG&E's public reckoning post-Paradise fire and traces the evolution of its shareholder base from pioneers to aggressive investors focused on dividends. Key players navigate pivotal decisions and legal battles, highlighting the forces that shaped PG&E's trajectory: deregulation, market manipulation by Enron, a relentless push for renewable energy, and increasing wildfire risks. This deeply reported, character-driven story expands into a broader exploration of accountability, serving as a cautionary tale for utilities nationwide as climate change exacerbates the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure.
