Some of the potential problems of shutting off power will be worse than leaving power up

Why?

There will be no Cell phone towers (microwave towers) operational in these areas because the power shutoff will stop all cell phone traffic in these areas too.

If there is a fire, for example, no one can call on a cell phone for help. If they have a land line they likely could because land lines are run by the telephone companies and not through cell phone towers even though they can access them if they are powered up.

So, if you have a fire and you only have a cell phone you are going to have to either put the fire out yourself or watch your home or homes burn down and that's all! IF you have an emergency (of ANY Kind) you are not going to be able to call for help with ANY Cell phone or smart phone!

So, it makes one wonder if this isn't some sort of military exercise or something instead of what people are telling us. Because the effect is a complete blackout of these areas. So, for example, if your car breaks down you won't be able to call for help in these areas. If you are worried about someone in these areas you won't be able to talk to them on any cell phone at all. Though you might get them if you call land line to land line.

So, Good luck everyone in these areas if you don't at the very least have a gasoline or diesel generator because all food stores or homes that don't have an electrical generator to keep food from spoiling are going to lose everything within 24 hours to 48 hours, especially frozen meats and frozen foods.