What you don't understand is that there is NO state power issue. There hasn't been since 2000.
Why did that old lady loose power? I have no idea. Sometimes the power goes out. Doesn't matter whether its in San Mateo, CA, or Austin, TX. In Austin, TX, however, it would be a lot bigger issue (due to the heat). My girl friend lives in San Mateo, and she has not lost power. When LA center lost power, it was an isolated incident. Again, it could have happened in Longmont, CO (Denver Center).
Oh, and there have been people who have died here recently due to heat. It is the hottest it has ever been in my lifetime. We hit 101 in San Carlos on Saturday, and that is HOT. It usually does not get above 80-85. To give you an idea of how mild the weather is here, most houses are not built without air conditioning. We don't need them.
There is no state power issue.