San Francisco Power Outage: What Caused It and When Power Will Be Restored
Live Update: SF Power Outage Status
San Francisco is experiencing a major power outage affecting multiple neighborhoods including the Mission District, SoMa, parts of the Financial District and the Sunset. PG&E reports the outage began around 7:15 PM PT and impacts approximately 45,000 customers.
Current estimated restoration: 11:00 PM PT (3 hours from now). PG&E crews are on scene investigating underground cable failure as the likely cause.
Power Outage Map: Check Your Area
Live PG&E outage map shows:
- Mission District: 15,000 customers affected
- SoMa/South Beach: 12,000 customers
- Financial District: 8,000 customers (partial)
- Sunset/Noe Valley: 10,000 customers
Check PG&E Outage Map for real-time updates on your address.
What Caused the San Francisco Power Outage?
PG&E’s initial report points to underground cable failure in the Mission District substation. This is the most common cause of major SF outages:
- Underground cables (60%): SF’s aging underground infrastructure fails under heavy load
- Equipment overload (25%): Winter demand spikes transformers
- Vehicle damage (10%): Construction or accidents hit underground lines
- Weather (5%): Rare in SF but high winds can damage overhead lines
No evidence of cyberattack, fire or weather damage at this time.
When Will Power Be Restored?
PG&E’s current timeline:
| Neighborhood | Customers Affected | Estimated Restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Mission District | 15,000 | 11:30 PM PT |
| SoMa/South Beach | 12,000 | 11:00 PM PT |
| Financial District | 8,000 | 10:45 PM PT |
| Sunset/Noe Valley | 10,000 | Midnight |
Delays possible: 30% of PG&E outages take longer than estimated due to underground repair complexity.
Why Power Outages Happen in San Francisco
SF’s unique challenges:
- Aging underground grid: 70-year-old cables fail under modern loads
- Dense population: 1.5 million people in 47 square miles = massive demand
- Hilly terrain: Equipment works harder in steep neighborhoods
- Winter peaks: Holiday lights + heating = record electricity use
PG&E reports SF averages 12 major outages per year, lasting 2-6 hours each.
How Long Do SF Power Outages Usually Last?
Typical timeline:
- Underground cable (most common): 3-5 hours
- Transformer failure: 1-3 hours
- Overhead line damage: 30 minutes-2 hours
- Major substation: 6-12 hours
85% of outages restored within 4 hours. Current outage on track for normal resolution.
Safety Tips: What To Do During SF Power Outage
Immediate Actions
- Unplug electronics to protect against power surges when electricity returns
- Use flashlights, not candles (fire risk skyrockets in outages)
- Elevators: Don’t use. If stuck, call 911
- Gas appliances: Turn off if smell gas
Stay Safe Overnight
- Keep fridge closed – stays cold 4 hours, freezer 48 hours
- Charge devices now – power banks essential
- Check neighbors – elderly especially vulnerable
- Stay warm – layer up, avoid using gas stoves for heat
Business Owners
- Backup generators auto-start?
- POS systems on battery backup?
- Security cameras recording?
FAQs: San Francisco Power Outage
Is PG&E reporting the cause yet?
Underground cable failure at Mission substation. Full investigation ongoing.
When will my power come back?
Check PG&E Outage Map and enter your address for personalized timeline.
Will I be compensated?
No. PG&E doesn’t pay for standard outages. Only if spoiled food exceeds $500 and you file claim with proof.
Is this a cyberattack?
No evidence. Cable failure confirmed. Cyber incidents would trigger emergency alerts.
What if power is out past midnight?
Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. Report outage even if others have. Helps prioritize repairs.
