It’s a result of Inverse condemnation judgments (lawsuits) in California
“Inverse condemnation is a strict-liability cause of action. The entity did not have to act negligently or violate regulations to be held liable for the damage ...”
So the utility company just shuts their stuff off so they don’t get sued if someone’s overgrown unkempt tree falls into their electrical lines and then starts or even keeps a fire going. It goes after deepest pockets to pay for the negligence of smaller pockets.