UPDATE: Power has been restored to approximately 90,000 customers in San Francisco after a massive outage impacted 130,000 homes and businesses on December 21, 2025. As of Sunday morning, over 40,000 residents remain without electricity, approximately 16 hours after the outage began around 1 PM on Saturday.
The outage left a significant portion of the northern part of San Francisco in the dark, disrupting daily life during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Local reports indicate widespread closures of restaurants and shops, and streets were dimmed without functioning traffic lights. The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management warned of “significant transit disruptions” and advised residents to avoid non-essential travel and treat traffic lights as four-way stops.
Mayor Daniel Lurie took to social media to urge residents to remain indoors if possible and to use flashlights instead of candles to minimize fire risks. He posted safety tips for those still without power, which included checking on neighbors and being cautious with alternative light sources.
The outage was partially caused by a fire at a PG&E substation located at 8th and Mission streets, according to fire officials. Although PG&E has stabilized the grid and expects no further outages, the full cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Additionally, autonomous ride-hailing operator Waymo suspended its services due to the outage, with reports of its vehicles halted in intersections, further complicating transit issues in the city.
As PG&E works to restore electricity to the remaining customers, officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and exercise caution as they navigate the ongoing disruptions.
For those affected, here are essential safety tips:
– Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
– Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those living alone.
– Stay informed about power restoration updates through official sources.
As the night progresses, the focus remains on restoring power completely and ensuring the safety of all residents. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
