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Katherine Blunt
@KatherineBlunt
@WSJ reporter covering Google/Alphabet and more. Author of California Burning. Articles, book reviews: katherineblunt.com @katherineblunt.bsky.social
San Francisco, CA
wsj.com/news/author/87…
Joined January 2012
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Apr 24, 2025
    Some news: I am taking on a new role within WSJ covering Google/Alphabet and the way AI is changing how we search for info. My focus is shifting, but power will continue to be a big part of the story. Expect more from me on the data center boom and its implications for the grid.
    33K
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Aug 12, 2022
    Never been more excited to see the UPS truck. What a feeling. It's done, guys!
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Oct 5, 2022
    Join us next week at Berkeley! As I'm sure many here know, Steve is an expert on California energy issues after many years working for the CPUC. This will be fun!
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Aug 30, 2022
    Today's the day! California Burning is on the shelves. It's the product of two-and-a-half years of work, and I’m so excited for you to read it. Here's a short preview.
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Jul 10, 2019
    This is big. After reading my story with @russellgold, the judge overseeing PG&E's federal probation has ordered the company to respond, paragraph by paragraph. The company has until Jul 31 to produce a "fresh, forthright statement owning up to the true extent of the WSJ report."
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Jan 20, 2022
    Judge Alsup, who has overseen PG&E's five-year criminal probation, just filed a characteristically frank letter to docket reflecting on how it went.
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Oct 1, 2021
    A year and a half ago, I started writing a book about PG&E. I finally finished. It feels strange to turn in a manuscript when the story is still evolving, but my intent is to explain how and why this company arrived at such a complex challenge. Relevant lessons. Summer 2022.
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Aug 31, 2022
    PG&E’s response to the book is gracious and forward-looking. I’m heartened by the fact that it will be required reading internally and I really hope it has value for all those working very hard to reduce wildfire risk. The company has a plan to bury 10k miles of distrib lines.
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Jul 23, 2023
    It's been ridiculously hot, and yet no real threat of blackouts (at least not yet). Why? New power supplies, and a decent amount of luck. CA: Strong hydro & so many new battery projects. TX: Solar capacity has doubled since last summer. My latest:
    The U.S. Power Grid Withstands the Heat, So Far
    The U.S. Power Grid Withstands the Heat, So Far
    From wsj.com
    71K
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Aug 16, 2023
    Hawaiian Electric knew since 2019 that wildfire risk was mounting. But it took years to put forth a plan to address it. The focus was on renewables. Fire cause unknown, but power lines may have played a role. A story chillingly reminiscent of PG&E:
    Hawaiian Electric Knew of Wildfire Threat, but Waited Years to Act
    Hawaiian Electric Knew of Wildfire Threat, but Waited Years to Act
    From wsj.com
    72K
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Mar 7, 2019
    As if you need incentive to read about how Martin Shkreli is faring in prison (spoiler: just fine). Great story by @realrobcopeland and @bradleyhope wsj.com/articles/marti…
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Jul 28, 2021
    Renewables edged out coal and nuclear to become the second-most significant source of power in 2020, the EIA said today: eia.gov/todayinenergy/…
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Aug 30, 2023
    Hard to believe California Burning has been on the shelves for a whole year. It has been truly worthwhile — PG&E made it required reading for leaders, and other utilities have, too. This month marked the fourth reprint. Thanks to all who took the time to read it and recommend it!
    29K
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    Katherine Blunt
    @KatherineBlunt
    Apr 17, 2022
    Utilities are planning to spend at historic levels to shift to renewables and upgrade the grid. The driver is climate change, which is threatening reliability just as we collectively become even more reliant on electricity in response. My latest:
    Utilities Plan Huge Electric Grid Upgrades, Adding to Power Bills
    Utilities Plan Huge Electric Grid Upgrades, Adding to Power Bills
    From wsj.com