»In which I am power-less (Part III)

The PG&E crew (down to four trucks, plus generator) have been pulling new plastic-sheathed mains cable under the street, to replace the clay-and-paper-wrapped cable from the 60s.

The Surly Guy in Truck says that they do not give advance notice of a power cutover in an emergency, since the maintenance is unscheduled. Could he drive a truck up and down the block to let us know? No.