In the United States, specifically in California, residents of Calabasas are expressing their anger towards Southern California Edison due to planned power outages. These outages are set to occur overnight on July 31 and August 1, 2026, affecting more than 500 customers in the Greater Mulwood area. The outages are scheduled during a dangerous heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s and some areas potentially exceeding 100 degrees. This situation raises concerns for residents, particularly those without air conditioning, as overnight temperatures are predicted to remain uncomfortably warm.
The planned outages are part of infrastructure upgrades aimed at reducing wildfire risks and preventing future power interruptions. Southern California Edison notified customers about the outages approximately two weeks in advance. Initially, the utility company planned to start the outages at 7 p.m. each night but later adjusted the start time to 9 p.m. following significant public backlash. Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian noted that the change in hours indicated the level of pushback from the community.
Residents have voiced their frustrations, highlighting the challenges of losing power during extreme heat. Jonathan Bobbitt, a local resident, described the unbearable conditions that would arise from the outages, stating that his home becomes excessively hot, making it difficult to sleep. The mayor acknowledged the concerns of vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities, who may struggle to leave their homes or find alternative cooling options during the outages.
While many residents understand the necessity of upgrading the electrical system for public safety, they question the timing of the work. Mayor Bozajian suggested that the entire project should have been rescheduled to avoid conflicts with the heat wave. In response to the situation, the city is developing plans to assist residents who may need a place to cool off during the outages, emphasizing the importance of community support during such challenging circumstances.
