In California our utilities operate under a performance-based rate system that factors in standards of maintenance and system reliability. When our legal responsibilities conflict, the end result can harm the customer and the species. For electric systems, deferred maintenance has potentially serious consequences. If insulators are not washed, flashovers are almost certain, and may be catastrophic. A dirty insulator can conduct electricity on its surface thus causing a short.
Flashovers can result in outages and potentially, catastrophic fire.
If a flashover occurs, the equipment is always damaged and must be replaced. The flashover can also cause a surge that can damage sensitive customer-owned equipment which relies on the stable operation of the electrical system. Additionally, the reliability of the grid can be seriously compromised. Of greatest threat to the goals of the ESA, fire is a very possible consequence of these flashovers, especially in the fire prone regions of the desert southwest. If unperformed maintenance results in a fire, extensive damage to the habitat areas of concern, including the potential loss of many species can be expected.