A widespread power outage plunged a meaningful portion of San Francisco into darkness late yesterday, impacting nearly 130,000 Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers. Initial reports pointed to a fire at a PG&E substation as a major contributing factor to the disruption. Fortunately,ample progress has been made in restoring power throughout the city.
here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
* Initial impact: The outage began affecting customers late evening, leaving a large swath of San Francisco without electricity.
* Cause of the Outage: A fire at a PG&E substation was identified as a primary cause, though the exact ignition source is still under investigation.
* Restoration Efforts: Crews worked diligently overnight to address the issue and restore power to affected areas.
As of this morning, over 90% of impacted customers have had their power restored. Though, approximately 42,000 customers were still without power as of early today, with PG&E anticipating full restoration overnight.
I’ve found that during these types of events, clear dialog is key. Here’s what you can do:
* Check PG&E’s Outage Map: Utilize PG&E’s online outage map for real-time updates on restoration progress in your specific area.
* Report Outages: If your power remains out, report it to PG&E to ensure it’s included in their restoration efforts.
* Prepare for Potential Fluctuations: Even after power is restored, you might experience brief fluctuations as the system stabilizes.
Here’s what residents experienced during the peak of the outage:
* Traffic Disruptions: traffic signals were down across many parts of the city, leading to significant congestion and requiring drivers to treat intersections as four-way stops.
* Business Closures: Many businesses were forced to close early or suspend operations due to the lack of power.
* Residential Impact: Residents experienced disruptions to essential services, including heating, lighting, and internet access.
Here’s what works best when preparing for outages like these:
* Emergency Kit: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food.
* Charge Devices: ensure your mobile phones and other essential devices are fully charged.
* Backup Power: Consider investing in a backup power source, such as a generator, if you rely on electricity for medical equipment or other critical needs.
While the majority of customers are back online, PG&E continues to work towards full restoration for the remaining 42,000. They are committed to providing updates as they become available. Remember, safety is paramount during and after a power outage. Always exercise caution around downed power lines and report any hazards to PG&E immediately.
