What is a common cause of power outages?

Choosing equipment failure, severe weather, or tree interference as a common cause of power outages reflects a comprehensive understanding of the primary factors that disrupt electrical service.

Equipment failure can occur due to wear and tear over time, manufacturing defects, or unexpected malfunctions across various components of the electrical grid, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and lines. Severe weather conditions, including storms, high winds, ice, and heavy snowfall, can lead to downed power lines, damaged infrastructure, and increased strain on the electrical system, all contributing to outages. Tree interference is particularly noteworthy; when trees grow too close to power lines, they can cause interruptions, especially during storms when branches may snap or sway into the lines.

The other options, while valid in specific circumstances, do not represent frequent or widespread causes of outages. For instance, technical upgrades may temporarily disrupt service but are not the source of outages as often as the factors mentioned. Scheduled maintenance usually includes prior notification to customers and is planned to minimize outages. Public events in the area might cause localized issues but are not a common cause of widespread power outages. Thus, equipment failure, severe weather, and tree interference are the critical factors linked to power interruptions.