Why the California Power Grid is Hurting Businesses and Consumers

 

California electricity provider PG&E has cut power to millions of state residents in an unprecedented maneuver to avoid another wildfire disaster. The company’s preventative power outage may save lives, but it will take a toll on the state’s economy.

Some estimates claim the blackout could have an economic impact of more than $2 billion. Cuts planned for Monday could leave approximately 800,000 PG&E clients, which totals 2.7 million people, in the dark.

Small businesses are particularly affected by this blackout because they do not typically have the infrastructure or budget to accommodate such a stark fall in business over what could be more than one full business week.

On Business Casual, hosts Tyler Kern and Geoffrey Short discussed the impact of this power outage on the California economy, and what industries will have the hardest time working through it.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

IC-SAT100
Meet IC-SAT100, a Satellite PTT Radio Built for the World’s Most Demanding Environments
February 5, 2026

Let’s have a look at Icom’s IC-SAT100, a satellite Push-To-Talk radio designed for moments when ordinary communication just isn’t an option. Powered by the Iridium satellite network, this rugged handheld delivers instant one-to-many communication at the push of a button—no cell towers or ground infrastructure required. Built to thrive in harsh environments, it’s waterproof,…

Read More
IP110H
From Hospitals to Warehouses, the IP110H Keeps Your Team in Sync
February 5, 2026

Icom’s IP110H is a compact, license-free WLAN radio built to keep teams talking—clearly and instantly—over an existing wireless network. Designed for environments like hospitals, hotels, warehouses, and tunnels, it delivers real-time, full-duplex voice using Icom’s advanced IP radio system. From Bluetooth capability to USB-C charging and a sleek, pocket-friendly design, the IP110H feels modern,…

Read More
IP501H
The IP501H Brings Effortless, Wide-Area Communication to Your Team
February 4, 2026

Meet Icom’s IP501H, a cellular two-way radio built for instant wide-area communication over LTE (4G) and 3G networks. It works just like a traditional radio—supporting individual, group, and all-call conversations—without the need for repeaters or a dedicated IP network. With everything included in the box, the IP501H is designed for quick setup and fast…

Read More
IP730D
One Radio, Three Networks, Seamless Coverage: Meet the IP730D
February 4, 2026

Icom’s IP730D is a true game-changer in professional communications, blending LTE, IDAS, and analog networks into one powerful hybrid radio. Designed for flexibility and confidence in the field, it uses dual PTT buttons to let users transmit and receive across networks seamlessly—delivering reliable, wide-area coverage wherever it’s needed. From the moment it comes out of…

Read More