Pacific Gas and Electric Co. says widespread power outages across San Francisco are expected to be resolved overnight, even as roughly 42,000 customers remained without electricity late into the evening, disrupting homes, businesses, and critical services across the city.
The outages, which began earlier in the day, affected multiple neighborhoods and caused traffic disruptions, business closures, and concerns for vulnerable residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment and heating. PG&E said repair crews were working around the clock to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
What Caused the Outages
While PG&E has not released a single definitive cause, officials said the outages were linked to equipment issues compounded by increased demand and system stress. In some areas, crews were forced to shut off power temporarily to safely make repairs and prevent further damage.
“Safety is our top priority,” a PG&E spokesperson said. “Our teams are making steady progress, and we expect the majority of customers to have power restored overnight.”
City Impact and Public Frustration
The power loss had an immediate impact on daily life in San Francisco. Traffic signals went dark at major intersections, forcing police officers to direct traffic during rush hour. Restaurants and small businesses reported food spoilage and lost revenue, while residents expressed frustration over repeated outages in a city known for its reliance on technology and infrastructure.
For many, the outage rekindled long-standing criticism of PG&E’s grid reliability and preparedness, particularly in dense urban areas.
“I’ve lived here for years, and this keeps happening,” said one resident in the Mission District. “It’s not just inconvenient—it’s disruptive and stressful.”
Emergency Response and Assistance
City officials coordinated with PG&E and emergency services to monitor the situation, with particular attention to hospitals, transit systems, and senior care facilities. Backup generators were activated at critical sites to maintain essential operations.
Residents were urged to conserve battery power, avoid downed power lines, and report outages or hazards to PG&E. The utility also advised customers to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food during the outage.
Looking Ahead
PG&E said it will conduct a full review once power is restored to determine the root causes and assess whether additional upgrades are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company has faced ongoing pressure to modernize its infrastructure as extreme weather, aging equipment, and growing demand strain the grid.
As crews continue their overnight work, thousands of San Franciscans are waiting for lights to come back on—hoping this outage will be resolved as promised, and questioning how long-term reliability can be improved.
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