Acquired by Blackstone
Deferred maintenance on transmission infrastructure and substations, leading to more frequent power outages and longer restoration times
Reduced vegetation management along power lines, increasing wildfire risk and tree-related outage frequency
Delayed smart meter deployment and grid modernization projects, leaving customers with outdated billing and outage reporting systems
Staff reductions in customer service centers, resulting in longer hold times and reduced outage communication quality
Increased rate case filings with state regulators seeking approval for higher base rates and new surcharges
Announcements of 'operational excellence initiatives' and 'customer-focused transformation'; early voluntary departure packages for senior engineering and grid operations staff
First rate case filing seeking significant increases; initial contractor substitutions for vegetation management and routine maintenance; customer service wait times increase 30-50%
Noticeable increase in outage frequency and duration metrics; deferred substation upgrades cause summer/winter reliability issues; smart meter rollout slowed or cancelled; customer complaints to state PUC rise sharply
Document baseline outage frequency and restoration times now for comparison with post-acquisition performance
Enroll in medical baseline or critical care customer programs if applicable before eligibility criteria potentially tighten
Consider backup power solutions (generators, battery storage) given elevated reliability risk over 2-4 year horizon
Monitor state PUC dockets for rate case filings and participate in public comment periods
Review and understand current payment assistance programs, as shutoff policies and eligibility may become more restrictive
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses