A significant power outage in San Francisco affected approximately 130,000 homes and businesses on December 9, 2023, leaving over 16,000 customers without electricity by Sunday afternoon. The outage began Saturday afternoon, reportedly due to a fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) substation located at 8th and Mission streets. This incident not only disrupted daily life but also led to the suspension of Waymo’s autonomous taxi services, causing major traffic congestion across the city.
The blackout occurred during a busy holiday weekend, intensifying its impact on local businesses. Many shops and restaurants were forced to close, complicating an already hectic shopping season. The outage also had wider implications for public transportation, disrupting services for both the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and San Francisco’s Muni network. Many residents found themselves stranded as transit services were suspended.
Following the outage, PG&E crews worked diligently to restore power, achieving success for approximately 114,000 customers, including an additional 4,000 on Sunday. The remaining outages were primarily in areas such as the Presidio, Richmond District, and parts of downtown San Francisco. To speed up restoration efforts, PG&E mobilized additional engineers and electricians.
Citywide Disruptions and Emergency Response
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management reported significant disruptions throughout the city on Saturday, advising residents to avoid non-essential travel and treat downed traffic signals as four-way stops. BART stations at Powell Street and Civic Center were closed due to the outage, while Muni and Central Subway services were suspended before gradually returning to operation later in the evening. Waymo’s self-driving vehicles became inoperable at intersections where traffic signals were out, further exacerbating traffic issues and impeding emergency services.
By 16:00 on Saturday, PG&E managed to stabilize the grid, preventing additional outages from occurring. Most customers had their power restored within six to eight hours of the initial disruption. No injuries to workers or the public have been reported, though the cause of the outage remains under investigation.
In response to the situation, PG&E opened a Community Resource Center in the Richmond District at 251 18th Ave. The center offers resources such as power stations for charging devices, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, snacks, and ADA-accessible restrooms. It operates from 17:00 to 22:00 on Sunday and from 08:00 to 22:00 on Monday. The utility is collaborating with the 211 Providers Network to conduct wellness checks and is working with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to provide food vouchers and hotel placements for vulnerable customers.
Official Statements and Future Plans
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie provided updates via social media, stating that PG&E expects full power restoration by 14:00 on Monday. He encouraged residents still without power to visit the Richmond Rec Center for assistance, including device charging and hotel reservations through the 211 hotline.
PG&E confirmed on social media that they anticipate restoring all remaining customers affected by the substation outage by no later than 14:00 on Monday. The utility company continues to prioritize safety and support for residents still experiencing outages.
Waymo spokesperson Suzanne Philion stated, “We have temporarily suspended our ride-hailing services given the broad power outage in San Francisco. We are focused on keeping our riders safe and ensuring emergency personnel have the clear access they need to do their work.”
As PG&E works to restore power, they are also preparing for incoming storms that could potentially affect additional areas. The community’s response and ongoing safety efforts will remain crucial in the days ahead as recovery efforts continue.
