A severe power outage struck San Francisco following a fire at a PG&E substation, leaving more than 130,000 customers without electricity. This widespread disruption impacted daily life, halting public transportation and affecting businesses across the city, prompting immediate response from utility workers and emergency services.
Extensive Power Loss Grips San Francisco as Substation Blaze Leads to City-Wide Blackout
On a recent Saturday, a significant power outage plunged large parts of San Francisco into darkness, impacting an estimated 130,000 customers. The incident originated from a fire at a PG&E electrical substation situated at the intersection of 8th and Mission streets. Initially, the utility provider reported around 24,842 affected customers, a number that rapidly escalated. Within a short period, approximately 39,520 households across neighborhoods like Richmond, Sunset, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and central downtown areas lost power. By 4:30 p.m. local time, the total number of affected customers had surged to 130,000.
The extensive outage severely hampered the city's infrastructure and services. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system was forced to close its Civic Center and Van Ness stations, while Muni subway lines ceased underground operations. Crucially, numerous traffic signals at key intersections across the city became non-functional, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. In response to the crisis, Waymo, a self-driving technology company and a division of Alphabet Inc., announced a temporary suspension of its services in San Francisco for the evening. PG&E confirmed on social media that it was actively collaborating with first responders and municipal authorities to manage the situation and restore power.
Amidst these operational challenges, PG&E also recently unveiled organizational changes. Notably, Sumeet Singh is slated to assume the role of CEO for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, effective January 1, 2026. This leadership transition comes as the company navigates the immediate aftermath of this major service interruption.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between urban life and critical infrastructure. The ripple effect of a single substation fire — from disrupted commutes to halted automated vehicle services — underscores the interconnectedness of modern cities. It highlights the indispensable role of resilient power systems and the critical need for robust emergency response mechanisms. Furthermore, the timing of PG&E's leadership announcement, coinciding with such a significant event, draws attention to the ongoing challenges and strategic shifts within major utility corporations as they strive to maintain reliable service amidst evolving demands and unforeseen disruptions.