PG&E outages in S.F. mostly resolved overnight, but 25,000 customers still without power

SAN FRANCISCO — Power was restored to most San Francisco customers overnight after widespread outages disrupted service across the city, though roughly 25,000 customers remained without electricity as of Monday morning, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The outages followed a powerful winter storm system that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and isolated flooding to the Bay Area.

PG&E said crews made substantial progress through the night, repairing damaged equipment and clearing downed lines. At the height of the outages late Sunday, more than 150,000 customers in San Francisco and surrounding communities had lost power. By early Monday, service had been restored to the majority, but several neighborhoods continued to experience outages tied to more complex repairs.

The storm system, driven by strong winds gusting above 50 miles per hour in some areas, caused trees and large branches to fall onto power lines and substations. Utility officials said wind damage accounted for the majority of the outages, with saturated soil contributing to uprooted trees across the city. In some cases, crews were unable to begin repairs until conditions improved and access to damaged areas was deemed safe.

City officials said emergency services were not significantly disrupted, though traffic signals were temporarily affected in several neighborhoods. San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management urged residents in affected areas to treat dark intersections as four-way stops and to avoid downed power lines, which may still be energized.

PG&E spokespersons emphasized that restoration efforts were prioritized for facilities affecting public safety, including hospitals, water treatment facilities, and emergency services. Residential neighborhoods followed, with crews dispatched based on the scale and complexity of damage rather than on a first-come basis.

For customers still without power, PG&E estimated that most remaining outages would be resolved by late Monday or early Tuesday, though officials cautioned that timelines could change if additional damage is discovered. Some repairs require replacing poles or underground equipment, a process that takes longer than resetting circuit breakers or removing debris.

The outages renewed public scrutiny of PG&E’s infrastructure resilience, particularly in urban areas where aging equipment and dense tree cover intersect. While San Francisco is less vulnerable to wildfire-related shutoffs than other parts of Northern California, storms continue to test the reliability of the electrical grid.

PG&E has invested billions of dollars in recent years to harden infrastructure, including replacing aging transmission lines, improving vegetation management, and upgrading substations. Utility officials pointed to those efforts as a reason outages were resolved relatively quickly compared with similar storms in the past. Still, consumer advocates argue that repeated disruptions highlight the need for continued modernization and clearer communication with customers.

Mayor London Breed said city agencies remained in close coordination with PG&E and emphasized the importance of preparedness during winter storms. She encouraged residents to keep flashlights, backup batteries, and basic supplies on hand during the rainy season, noting that even short outages can pose challenges for seniors and medically vulnerable residents.

Weather forecasters said the storm system is expected to move out of the region, bringing calmer conditions for the next several days. However, additional rain is possible later in the week, which could slow cleanup efforts and increase the risk of isolated outages if weakened trees or infrastructure fail.

PG&E urged customers to report outages through its website or phone system and to avoid using generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risks. The utility also reminded customers enrolled in medical baseline programs to ensure backup power plans are in place.

As restoration work continues, the overnight progress marked a significant step toward normal operations for much of the city. For those still waiting, utility officials said crews will remain on extended shifts until service is fully restored.