More than 16,000 customers in San Francisco remain without electricity following a major power outage that began on December 16, 2023. The outage affected approximately 130,000 homes and businesses, primarily due to a fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) substation located at 8th and Mission streets. While power has been restored to most customers, many are still in the dark as restoration efforts continue.
The blackout occurred during a peak shopping weekend before Christmas, forcing numerous shops and restaurants to close their doors. Additionally, the outage had significant repercussions for public transportation, affecting the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and San Francisco’s Muni network. With traffic signals out, Waymo suspended its autonomous taxi service as vehicles stalled at intersections, contributing to traffic congestion across the city.
Restoration Efforts Underway
As of Sunday afternoon, PG&E crews have successfully restored power to approximately 114,000 customers, including 4,000 on December 17. The remaining outages are concentrated in neighborhoods such as the Richmond District, Presidio, and parts of downtown. PG&E has mobilized additional engineers and electricians to expedite restoration efforts.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management reported significant citywide transit disruptions and urged residents to avoid nonessential travel. Transit stations at Powell Street and Civic Center were closed, with Muni and Central Subway services initially suspended before gradually resuming later in the day.
PG&E managed to stabilize the grid by 16:00 on Saturday, preventing further outages. No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident, although the utility is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Community Support Initiatives
In response to the ongoing challenges, PG&E has established a Community Resource Center at 251 18th Ave. in the Richmond District. The center provides essential services, including charging stations for electronics, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks, and customer support. Operating hours for the center are from 17:00 to 22:00 on Sunday and 08:00 to 22:00 on Monday.
PG&E is collaborating with the 211 Providers Network to conduct wellness checks on affected residents. The utility is also partnering with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to offer food vouchers and hotel placements for vulnerable customers impacted by the outage.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie confirmed on social media that PG&E anticipates restoring power to all remaining customers by 14:00 on December 18. He encouraged residents still without power to visit the Richmond Rec Center for assistance and to call 211 for hotel reservations.
PG&E communicated via social media, stating, “We currently expect to restore all remaining customers impacted by the substation outage by no later than 14:00 on Monday. PG&E crews will continue to work until all customers have been restored.”
As the situation develops, PG&E is also preparing for incoming storms that may affect other areas, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
