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The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: "As shown by the National Energy System Operator's independent report, our mission for clean power by 2030 is achievable and will deliver a more secure energy system, which could see a lower cost of electricity and lower bills."

The government's ordered a six-week investigation into the shutdown, led by the National Energy System Operator.

The records reviewed by The Times include a series of “wildfire study scenarios” detailed in a March 2022 report prepared by the California Independent System Operator, or CAISO, which oversees electricity flow and transmission planning in the state.

Jayme Ackemann, a spokeswoman for the California Independent System Operator, said the purpose of its 2022 study was to assess “if additional transmission system additions would be beneficial” if utilities, including Edison, “needed to preemptively remove” transmission lines from service due to wildfire risk.

Ackemann, of the California Independent System Operator, said “the project was recognized as having potential benefit ... under a different wildfire study scenario.”