85 million to $ 5. They shut off electricity when neededand can help save lives. Utilities may temporarily turn off power to specific areas to reduce the risk of fires caused by electric infrastructure. This could potentially facilitate many more of these deployments within SCEs service area and could serve as a model for other electric utilities as well.. Almost seven years later, the CPUC has approved new rules (in a 4-0 vote, with one abstention[2] in hopes to strengthen overhead utility poles and protect the public.