San Francisco Power Outage Leaves 130,000 in the Dark, Restoration Efforts Underway

A major power outage hit San Francisco on Saturday, December 20. Approximately 130,000 customers lost electricity. The blackout affected large swaths of the city, disrupting traffic and services.

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is leading the response. Officials have not yet confirmed a specific cause. But a fire at a key substation is a likely contributor.

Extensive Impact Across City Neighborhoods

The outage was widespread. According to PG&E’s own outage map, nearly 30% of the city was affected. Areas included the Presidio, Richmond District, and Sunset District.

Golden Gate Park and West of Twin Peaks also lost power. Traffic lights went dark across these neighborhoods. The San Francisco Police Department urged drivers to proceed with extreme caution.

Public transit faced severe disruptions. The Market Street Subway was closed for the evening. Bus shuttles were deployed to help stranded commuters.

Safety Advisories and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities quickly issued safety guidelines. The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management advised residents to keep refrigerator doors closed. This helps prevent food spoilage during an extended outage.

According to AP reports, the fire at the PG&E substation on Mission Street is contained. The San Francisco Fire Department reported no injuries. An investigation into the precise cause is ongoing.

PG&E has not provided a firm restoration time. The company’s social media updates noted restoration was “possible later today.” Crews are working to assess the damage and repair critical infrastructure.

The scale of the San Francisco power outage highlights the vulnerability of urban electrical grids. Residents await further updates as PG&E works to restore power to all affected communities.

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What caused the San Francisco power outage?

The exact cause is under investigation. The San Francisco Fire Department reported a fire at a PG&E substation. Officials believe this incident contributed significantly to the widespread blackout.

When will power be fully restored?

PG&E has not announced a specific restoration time. The company stated restoration was “possible later” on the day of the outage. Updates are being provided via the utility’s official outage map and social media channels.

Which areas were most affected?

Neighborhoods from the Presidio to the Sunset District lost power. PG&E’s map showed outages in the Richmond, Golden Gate Park, and West of Twin Peaks areas. About 130,000 customer accounts were impacted.

What should residents do during the outage?

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. Use flashlights instead of candles for fire safety. Check on vulnerable neighbors who may be affected by the loss of power.

Was public transportation affected?

Yes, transit services were disrupted. The Market Street Subway closed for several hours. San Francisco Muni rerouted buses and provided shuttle services to mitigate the impact on commuters.