California Blackouts 2023: A Chronicle of Darkness (and the Occasional Candlelit Dance Party)
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, surf, and...well, apparently, an increasing fondness for the ambience of a flickering candle. Yes, friends, 2023 wasn't all beaches and babes (though, let's be honest, there's still plenty of that). It also saw a notable uptick in those delightful moments when the lights go out, plunging us into a world of nostalgia (read: mild panic).
So, how many blackouts are we talking about? Buckle up, buttercup, because this number might leave you feeling a touch more prepared for the apocalypse than a trip to Disneyland.
The Shocking Truth (Literally)
According to the folks at Bloom Energy, cheery Californians experienced the equivalent of over 50,000 blackout events in 2023. That's not a typo, folks. That's enough to make you think twice about that fancy new bread machine (unless you plan on using it as a doorstop during the next power outage).
Now, before you start prepping your bunker and stocking up on canned beans, here's a little perspective: this number refers to the total number of customers affected, not necessarily the number of individual blackouts. So, one lengthy blackout impacting a large neighborhood could show up as multiple "events."
City Slickers vs. Nature Lovers: Who Wins the Blackout Battle?
Interestingly, the fight for illumination wasn't just a rural woe. Cities like Los Angeles took a big hit, with Angelenos experiencing the equivalent of over 6.4 million utility customers going dark. Seems those Hollywood mansions aren't immune to a little darkness, after all.
The Silver Lining (Because Let's Be Honest, We Need One)
While blackouts are a pain, some Californians chose to embrace the darkness. Social media was flooded with photos of impromptu dance parties fueled by flashlights and fairy lights. Talk about making lemonade when life throws you lemons (or, you know, plunges you into darkness).
The Big Takeaway
California's love affair with blackouts is a growing trend. Whether it's weather, infrastructure woes, or a squirrel with a vendetta against power lines, one thing's for sure: being prepared is key. Invest in a good flashlight, download some offline games on your phone, and maybe brush up on your card game skills. Who knows, the next blackout might just be the perfect excuse for a board game night (by candlelight, of course).
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