California Blackouts: 2022 Edition - More Flickers Than a Disco Ball on Rollerblades
Ah, California. The land of sunshine, surf, and...well, let's be honest, the occasional blackout. But hey, at least it keeps things exciting, right? Like that time you fumbled for snacks in the fridge by flashlight, only to discover it was just a roommate sleepwalking and shoving pickles in their ear. Classic California.
So, how many times did California have that special brand of "nighttime with extra darkness" in 2022? Buckle up, buttercup, because the numbers might surprise you (or maybe not, if you've ever lived through a Santa Ana wind event).
The Great Blackout Bake-Off: Planned vs. Unplanned
California blackouts come in two delicious flavors: planned (those delightful "Public Safety Power Shutoffs" or PSPSs) and unplanned (thanks, Mother Nature, for forgetting to pay the electric bill).
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Planned Blackouts: These occur when the power company throws the big red switch to prevent wildfires. Think of it as a pre-emptive strike against flames, like throwing water balloons at a dragon before it burns down your village. While inconvenient, it's better than a crispy California. Bonus points if you manage to perfect your blackout baking skills with strategically placed cookies on a hot stove.
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Unplanned Blackouts: Ah, the element of surprise! These blackouts can be caused by anything from a squirrel discovering its inner electrician to a rogue weather balloon tangled in power lines. They're like that surprise pop quiz in school - you never see them coming, and they leave you feeling a little unprepared (and possibly craving lukewarm pizza).
So, How Many Blackouts Did We Actually Have?
Now, here's the part where things get a little fuzzy. Depending on who you ask, the number of blackouts in California in 2022 can vary.
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The "We Tried Our Best" Award: Some reports say there were over 50,000 blackout events, impacting millions of Californians. That's a lot of flashlight tag in the living room!
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The "California Math" Approach: Other reports talk about total outage duration, which is basically how long everyone was collectively in the dark. This number can be tricky, because some folks might have been out for an hour, while others enjoyed an extended blackout Netflix marathon.
The Bottom Line: More Blackouts Than You Can Shake a Solar Panel At
Look, the exact number isn't as important as the fact that California blackouts happen. But hey, at least it gives us something to talk about besides the ever-increasing avocado prices. So, the next time the lights flicker, don't panic. Just grab some snacks, dust off those emergency candles (because let's be real, who actually uses them?), and get ready for a blackout adventure, California style!
