Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is currently in the early stages of a large-scale, planned power outage across Northern California. Over 800,000 customers are expected to lose electricity, and as many as 500,000 are already without power today. These outages aren’t just affecting homes — they’re impacting businesses, schools, and even hospitals, with some areas potentially facing power cuts for up to a week.
Southern California is also feeling the effects, as SoCal Edison has begun implementing power shutoffs for about 173,000 customers. If you live in an affected area, here’s a list of resources to help you stay informed:
- 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.
- Another reliable interactive map is available from a third-party source, which might be more accessible if the others are down.
- **ABC News** is actively covering the situation on Twitter, providing updates on outage locations, times, and breaking news in one place.
- Schools across Northern California are closing tomorrow, so keep an eye on local announcements.
- PG&E’s **Twitter account** is a better source for updates than their website or phone lines, which are overwhelmed.
- A new **PG&E outage tracker** has been launched for real-time information.
- Resource centers are being set up by PG&E to provide food, water, and charging stations. You can find them on this **Google Map**.
For those in Southern California, follow these links:
- **SoCal Edison Outage List**
- **SoCal Edison’s Twitter Account**
- **KTLA’s Twitter** may not be active yet, but it’s a good place to watch for updates.
As with PG&E, SoCal Edison’s website is struggling under heavy traffic, so relying on external sources like social media is often more effective.
We’ll continue updating these lists as we find more resources, so please let us know if you have any recommendations via comments or email.
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### Why Are These Outages Happening?
These planned blackouts are part of PG&E’s efforts to reduce wildfire risk, especially in high-wind areas. The company has warned about this possibility since last year. However, critics argue that PG&E has prioritized profits over infrastructure maintenance, leading to preventable risks. Some believe the outages could be a strategy to push the state for more funding for grid improvements.
With the 2019 wildfire season still ongoing, residents should prepare for more outages ahead.
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### How to Prepare
In a planned blackout, staying informed is key. Keep your phone charged and use reliable sources for updates. Here are some essential items to have on hand:
- **Portable solar chargers**: We tested the top models and found them highly effective.
- **Water containers**: Storing water is crucial, and we’ve tested the best options for durability.
- **Survival food**: Freeze-dried meals are a great option for long-term storage.
- **First aid kits and medical supplies**: Especially important when hospitals may be without power.
- **Off-grid power guide**: For those looking to go beyond basic charging solutions.
Other tips:
- Check in with neighbors regularly.
- Fill water bottles and put them in the freezer to help keep your fridge cold.
- Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full, and charge your phones and radios fully.
- Have an evacuation plan ready and act quickly if needed.
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### Social Media Reports
Residents across Northern California are sharing photos and updates on social media. There are reports of long gas lines, empty supermarket shelves, and a sense of urgency among locals. While some panic seems exaggerated, there are real concerns, especially in densely populated areas.
You can follow the #poweroutage hashtag for real-time updates and ground-level reports. We’re also tracking prepper groups and other platforms where people are sharing their experiences.
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### Updates
- **10/9/19**: Battery and flashlight sales are spiking. Rechargeable NiMH batteries and solar panels are a smarter choice.
- **10/10/19**: PG&E added resource center info to its list. People are rushing for batteries, ice, and alcohol — but rechargeables are a better solution.
- **10/10/19**: PG&E executives received $11 million in bonuses this summer, sparking public backlash.
- **10/11/19**: Electric car owners are struggling without power. Also, some tech-heavy areas appear to be missing from outage maps, raising questions about fairness.
If you have any additional resources, hashtags, or accounts to share, feel free to reach out. Stay safe and stay informed.
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