Latest Update: San Francisco Power Outage December 2025 – Most Electricity Restored After PG&E Substation Fire Affects 130,000 Customers
By late Sunday, December 21, and into Monday, December 22, PG&E reported that power had been restored to the majority of customers, with around 110,000 regaining electricity. However, about 20,000-21,000 customers, primarily in northwest neighborhoods like the Richmond District, Presidio, and areas around Golden Gate Park, remained without power as crews continued complex repairs.
What Caused the Outage?
The incident began with scattered outages in the morning, but escalated dramatically around 2:15-3:15 p.m. when a one-alarm fire broke out inside a PG&E substation at 8th and Mission Streets in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood. San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) crews responded quickly, using carbon dioxide to extinguish the flames without water to avoid electrical risks. The fire was contained and fully extinguished by around 6:15 p.m., with no injuries or structural damage reported.
PG&E described the damage as "significant and extensive," requiring intricate repairs. Interestingly, this same substation was involved in a similar blackout on December 21, 2003, which affected about 120,000 customers. The exact cause of the 2025 fire remains under investigation, but no weather-related factors (like the ongoing rain) were cited as direct contributors.
Impact on the City
The blackout hit hardest in western and central neighborhoods, including the Richmond District, Sunset District, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, and parts of downtown and SoMa. Residents and businesses faced sudden darkness on a busy Saturday before Christmas.
- Traffic Chaos: Hundreds of traffic lights went dark, leading to gridlock and hazardous intersections. The San Francisco Police Department increased patrols to direct traffic.
- Public Transit Disruptions: BART closed stations like Powell and Civic Center; Muni underground lines and the Central Subway halted service. Some lines switched back at alternative stations, causing delays for commuters.
- Business and Daily Life: Shops closed early, losing holiday sales. Restaurants operated by candlelight or shut down. Nail salons and bars used battery-powered lights. Some internet providers, like MonkeyBrains, were affected.
- Unique Incidents: Waymo self-driving robotaxis stalled mid-street, blocking roads and nearly causing collisions. The company suspended operations citywide during the outage.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management activated its operations center, advising residents to stay home, check on vulnerable neighbors, and conserve phone battery. No major injuries or emergencies were linked to the blackout.
Restoration Efforts and Current Status
PG&E crews worked around the clock. By Saturday night, power was restored to about 90,000-100,000 customers. Overnight progress brought the number down further. On Sunday morning, PG&E estimated full restoration for remaining areas by late afternoon, though some pockets lingered into Monday.
As of the latest updates on December 22, 2025, most of San Francisco has power back, with crews focusing on the final northwest clusters.
PG&E emphasized safety in repairs, stating no additional outages are expected. Residents can check real-time status on the PG&E outage map or call 1-800-743-5002.
Broader Implications
This event highlights ongoing concerns about PG&E's infrastructure reliability, especially in densely populated urban areas. The utility has faced criticism in the past for wildfires and outages, though this incident appears isolated. City officials, including Supervisor Matt Dorsey, noted the substation's history and called for reviews.
For residents, the outage served as a reminder to prepare: keep flashlights, charged devices, and non-perishable food handy. Vulnerable populations—elderly or those with medical devices—were urged to reach out for help.
As San Francisco returns to normal, the quick response from firefighters and PG&E crews prevented worse outcomes. Holiday celebrations can resume, but the blackout will be remembered as a disruptive jolt during the festive season.