Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is currently in the early stages of a large-scale, planned power outage across Northern California. This will impact nearly 800,000 customers, with over 500,000 already experiencing outages today. The blackout affects not just homes, but also businesses, schools, and even hospitals, which may be without power for up to a week.
Southern California is also feeling the effects, as SoCal Edison has begun cutting power to around 173,000 customers. If you're in an affected area, here are some resources to track the outages:
- The **San Francisco Chronicle** offers an interactive map for real-time outage tracking.
- If the SF Chronicle site is paywalled, check **PG&E’s official outage page**, though it may be slow due to high traffic.
- An alternative interactive map from a third-party source is available if the others aren’t working.
- **ABC News** on Twitter provides a centralized hub for outage updates, locations, and breaking news.
- **School closures** are expected tomorrow, so keep an eye on local announcements.
- PG&E’s **Twitter account** is a more reliable source than their website or phone lines, which are overwhelmed.
- A new **PG&E outage tracker** is now live, offering real-time data.
- **Resource centers** are being set up by PG&E to provide food, water, and charging stations. We’ve created a **Google Map** of these locations for easy access.
For those in the SoCal region, follow these links:
- SoCal Edison’s **outage list**
- SoCal Edison’s **Twitter account**
- KTLA’s **Twitter feed** for updates
Both PG&E and SoCal Edison’s websites are heavily loaded, so external sources like social media and news outlets are your best bet for real-time updates.
We’ll continue updating this list as we find more resources, so please let us know if you have any suggestions via comments or email.
---
### Why Is This Happening?
These planned blackouts are intended to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by power lines during high wind conditions. PG&E has been warning about this possibility for months, and some critics argue that the company prioritizes profits over infrastructure maintenance. Others believe the outages could be a strategic move to push for more state funding for upgrades.
With the wildfire season still in full swing, residents should expect more disruptions ahead.
---
### How to Prepare
In a planned outage, staying informed is key. Here's how to prepare:
- **Charge your phone** — it's your main source of information.
- Consider investing in a **portable solar charger**. We tested the top models and found them highly effective.
- Keep **water stored** — fill containers and place them in the freezer to help preserve cold items.
- Stock up on **non-perishable food** and **emergency supplies**. Our team tested freeze-dried meals for taste and nutrition.
- Don’t forget **medicine and hygiene products**, especially since hospitals may lose power.
- For long-term preparedness, check our **beginner’s guide to off-grid power**.
Other tips include:
- Stay in touch with neighbors and family.
- Keep at least half a tank of gas in your car.
- Have an evacuation plan ready in case conditions worsen.
---
### Social Media Reports
There are growing reports of long lines at gas stations, empty supermarket shelves, and people rushing to buy batteries and flashlights. Some say it's starting to feel like a pre-apocalyptic scene, though it's hard to tell what's real and what's exaggerated.
Follow the hashtag **#poweroutage** on Twitter for real-time updates and photos from the ground. You can also join local groups on Reddit and other platforms for firsthand accounts.
---
### Updates
- **10/9/19**: Batteries and flashlights are selling fast. Rechargeable NiMH batteries plus a USB charger and a small solar panel can solve the problem long-term.
- **10/10/19**: PG&E added a resource center update to its list. People are buying “batteries, ice, and booze†— but rechargeables are the smarter choice.
- **10/10/19**: PG&E executives are set to receive $11 million in performance bonuses, sparking public outrage.
- **10/11/19**: Electric car owners are particularly affected by the outages. Some tech hubs are notably missing from outage maps, raising questions about equity and access.
We'll continue monitoring the situation and sharing updates as they come. Stay safe, stay informed, and be ready.
Joint pain relief patch,Hot compress eye patch,Disposable medical hot compress,Anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling patch
HomeSafe Group , https://www.homesafebio.com