San Francisco's Surprise Power Plunge

Over 125,000 People Left in the Dark

San Francisco experienced a significant power outage on a recent Saturday, affecting nearly a third of the city's population. The issue began in the morning and worsened throughout the day.

Areas Affected

The outage impacted multiple neighborhoods, including:

• Richmond
• Sunset
• Haight Ashbury
• Parts of downtown

A map highlighted these areas in red, indicating a lack of electricity.

Fire at PG&E Substation

A fire at a PG&E substation exacerbated the situation. The substation, a large, windowless building in the city center, prompted firefighters to respond around 2 p.m. They advised residents to stay away from the area around 8th and Mission Streets.

Cause and Response

The fire appeared to contribute to the spread of the outage, though officials could not confirm it as the sole cause. PG&E, the city's power company, assured the public they were working to resolve the issue. They also stated that the grid was stable and no further outages were anticipated.

Public Frustration

Residents expressed frustration, especially as many were out shopping for the holidays. Stores and restaurants struggled to process payments without electricity. PG&E informed residents that it could take hours before power was restored.

Impact and Reliance on Technology

The outage highlighted the city's dependence on technology. Even a minor issue can lead to significant disruptions.