Quick Read
- A fire at a PG&E substation caused a major power outage in San Francisco on December 20, 2025.
- Nearly 130,000 customers lost electricity; Waymo paused its autonomous fleet and is updating its software.
- PG&E is issuing automatic bill credits ($200 for residents, $2,500 for businesses) and offering additional claims support.
PG&E Outage Leaves San Francisco in the Dark
On December 20, 2025, a massive power outage struck San Francisco, plunging nearly a third of the city into darkness. The cause: a fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) substation on Mission and 8th streets, which forced the utility to de-energize portions of its system so firefighters could safely contain the blaze. The outage peaked with about 130,000 customers losing power, with neighborhoods such as Richmond, Presidio, and Civic Center particularly affected. Essential city facilities, including City Hall and libraries, closed their doors to in-person services, while transit systems scrambled to adapt.
As the blackout unfolded, city officials urged residents to stay home, emphasizing the severity of the disruption. Mayor Daniel Lurie, speaking from a generator-powered City Hall, expressed frustration over the extended outage and its impact on local businesses and residents. “Having no power for two days for at least 4,000 customers here in Civic Center… The outage has cost local business owners and residents,” Lurie said, making it clear that he expected answers and action from PG&E.
Waymo’s Autonomous Fleet Faces Real-World Test
The outage wasn’t just a test of San Francisco’s infrastructure—it was a crucible for autonomous technology. Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, found itself at the heart of the chaos. With traffic signals across major corridors disabled, Waymo’s robotaxis were programmed to treat dark intersections as four-way stops. Over 7,000 Waymo vehicles navigated these dark signals, yet the volume of safety confirmation requests created backlogs, and some vehicles stalled in traffic, hazard lights flashing, as gridlock intensified. Viral videos showed the extent of the disruption.
Responding to the situation, Waymo paused its services and directed vehicles to park safely, ensuring they wouldn’t block emergency responders. Mayor Lurie noted that Waymo vehicles had at times obstructed emergency vehicles, prompting a direct call to Waymo’s CEO to remove the cars from the roads. Waymo complied, but Lurie insisted, “They need to do better… We need them to be more proactive.”
In the aftermath, Waymo announced a fleet-wide software update. The new system will give vehicles more context about regional outages, improving their ability to navigate dark intersections and reducing reliance on manual safety confirmations. The company also pledged to enhance emergency protocols and expand first responder training, reflecting lessons learned from the outage.
PG&E’s Recovery Efforts and Customer Support
PG&E worked through the weekend to restore power. By Sunday morning, 110,000 customers had electricity again, with more restored throughout the day. Yet for thousands, the wait stretched into Monday and beyond, with restoration for the final customers pushed to 6 a.m. Tuesday. Throughout, the utility kept residents updated and set up outreach plans for impacted small businesses.
Recognizing the hardship, PG&E announced automatic bill credits: $200 for residential customers and $2,500 for businesses, labeled as “Customer Satisfaction Adjustment.” No action is required—credits appear on bills automatically. For those facing extended outages or greater losses, such as spoiled food or medications, customers can also pursue separate claims via PG&E’s website. The company’s Senior Vice President, Vincent Davis, stated, “We recognize the significant impact this outage had on our customers, and we are committed to providing immediate and meaningful support.”
Ripple Effects Across the City
Beyond blacked-out homes and businesses, the outage disrupted transit. Muni subway service along Market Street was affected, and BART stepped in to offer free rides between Embarcadero and Civic Center stations. City employees, residents, and business owners had to adapt quickly, relying on backup generators and alternate transportation.
Mayor Lurie’s leadership was visible throughout, as he pressed PG&E for accountability and urged residents to file claims for damages. The city’s resilience shone through, with no major incidents reported despite the scale of the blackout. Yet the event highlighted vulnerabilities in both infrastructure and emerging technologies, raising questions about readiness for future emergencies.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
The December 2025 PG&E outage was more than a technical failure—it was a stress test for a city at the forefront of innovation. Waymo’s rapid response and software overhaul signal an industry adapting to real-world challenges, while PG&E’s credits and claims process offer immediate relief for those affected. But as Mayor Lurie emphasized, both utilities and tech companies must be more proactive in crisis management.
For residents and businesses, the path forward is about recovery—and ensuring lessons from this blackout translate into better preparedness. As San Francisco’s streets light up again, the city’s experience stands as a reminder: even in the era of smart technology, resilience and responsive leadership remain essential.
San Francisco’s outage exposed gaps in both legacy infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, prompting decisive action from city leaders and rapid adaptation by tech firms. The crisis reinforced the need for robust emergency planning and transparent communication, especially as cities grow more reliant on autonomous systems. The city’s ability to recover quickly, combined with PG&E’s customer support and Waymo’s commitment to improvement, points to a future where technology and public service must work hand in hand—because when the lights go out, every decision matters.
- Citations: Economic Times, CBS News, TipRanks, ABC7 News