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Old power lines plus climate change mean a growing risk of utilities starting fires

Texas investigators say the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest in state history, appears to be caused by a downed utility power pole. When it comes to increased risks of starting wildfires, Michael Wara professor at Stanford University says some utilities "are walking into a catastrophe." Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

Climate

Old power lines plus climate change mean a growing risk of utilities starting fires

Texas investigators say the largest wildfire in state history appears to be caused by a power line. Aging utility infrastructure ups the risk of starting wildfires as the climate heats up.

Old power lines plus climate change mean a growing risk of utilities starting fires

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U.S. Utilities Look To Electric Cars As Their Savior Amid Decline In Demand

A Tesla Model S electric vehicle is charged at a car dealership in Shanghai, China, in March 2015. Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images

Here & Now Compass

U.S. Utilities Look To Electric Cars As Their Savior Amid Decline In Demand

After years of rising demand, utility companies are staring down a projected decline in the demand for electricity. They say the budding electric car industry could save them.

Established Automakers Announce Bold Moves In Electrification

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Help Wanted: Must Like Heights And High Voltage

Lineman rodeo contestants participate in an event that simulates an electrical problem to be fixed in Bonner Springs, Kan. The challenge was announced the night before. Frank Morris/KCUR hide caption

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Frank Morris/KCUR

National

Help Wanted: Must Like Heights And High Voltage

KCUR

A shortage of line workers raises the question: How do you entice millennials into tough electric utility work, when "you can't get a kid to lick a stamp, much less climb a pole" these days?

Help Wanted: Must Like Heights And High Voltage

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