An unquenchable thirst for an electrical charge brings Tesla to a coasting stop.  Two million California residents are without power and many have been told to evacuate as fires reign havoc on surrounding hillsides.  Gale-force winds plague the state so, to reduce the risk of starting fires, Pacific Gas and Electric has shut down its electrical grid.  No grid, no electricity, no charging, no Tesla go. 

Tesla, along with all fully-electrical vehicles, are dependent upon the normally dependable electrical power grid.  Of course all vehicles depend upon an energy source whether it be an electrical circuit or petroleum.  No electricity then no charging or pumping fuel.  To be safe, whether in the face of power outages, earthquakes or other disasters, you should always have a half-full tank of “energy.”

Solar panels on top of a roof are worthless if the electrical grid shuts down.  As a safety feature, electricity from solar panels is automatically switched off when the grid shuts down to prevent the electricity from entering the grid and inadvertently electrocuting someone who may be working on the grid.  Technology to provide battery backup when the grid shuts down is complicated—for most residents—no electricity, no charging, no Tesla go.

California’s normally dependable electrical power grid is no longer dependable.  PG and E predicts many outages in the next ten years when winds threaten the power grid and create potential for fires. 

Why?  Ask Sacramento!  The swamp diddles in plastic straws and quirks of activism and not in the basic services that Californians deserve.  Incompetence and dereliction of duty by our state government has created the perfect storm.  Forests go unmanaged, governing boards (read California Public Utilities Commission) force electrical utilities into renewables at the cost of system management, high risk areas continue to be developed, and fire prevention or mitigation strategies are low priorities.