Massive PG&E Outage Brings Chaos to San Francisco: Thousands Left in the Dark

{ "title": "Massive PG&E Outage Brings Chaos to San Francisco: Thousands Left in the Dark", "article": "A widespread power outage has struck San Francisco, leaving over 125,000 households without electricity on Saturday, December 20. The massive outage, affecting nearly one-third of the city's population, has caused significant disruptions to daily life. According to PG&E's Outage Center, the affected areas include The Presidio, Seacliff, Outer and Inner Richmond, Golden Gate Park, the Panhandle, Inner and Outer Sunset, and part of West of Twin Peaks. The outage has also impacted traffic lights, with the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management urging drivers to treat intersections as four-way stops. The cause of the outage remains unclear, although an ongoing fire at a PG&E substation at 8th and Mission Streets is believed to be a contributing factor. The San Francisco Fire Department reported that the fire is 80% contained, with no injuries or structural damage. As a result of the outage, several Muni Metro stops have been shut down, including Powell, Civic Center, and Van Ness stations. Residents are advised to stay safe by avoiding non-essential travel, keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and turning off major appliances to prevent surges. For the latest updates and safety tips, visit the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management's website or PG&E's Outage Center. "