So this is a microwave directed energy weapon, it heats up an outer layer of a persons skin and feels like being burned.
It’s effect in metal is also like a microwave oven:
Like any electromagnetic wave, a microwave consists of electric and magnetic fields. When the strong microwaves produced by a microwave oven interact with a sheet of aluminum foil, their electric fields cause the mobile electrons in the foil to accumulate at the sheet’s sharp, pointed tips. This build-up of electrons creates a strong electric field in the surrounding air.
When the electric field becomes strong enough, it causes free electrons in the air to accelerate and jar loose more electrons from gas molecules in the air, which then go on to jar even more electrons loose. This chain reaction creates an electrical charge in the air, which shows itself as sparks.
This effect would cause metal to become an ignition source for fire, including metal in electric lines, such as the ones owned by hapless PGE.