PGE Power Outages: What to Do If You're a PG&E Customer
The lights go off and on, then your home is in darkness. PG&E customers experience power outages on average each year, most often when we don't expect them. Because of storms, equipment breakdowns, or pre-planned safety shutoffs, preparedness matters. This short guide goes over the essentials of how to prepare for, navigate, and bounce back from a power outage. With a bit of preparation and some general knowledge, you'll handle these intrusions more effectively, keeping your family at ease until normalcy is restored.
Before the Blackout: Proactive Steps for PG&E Customers
Taking a few strategic steps now can save you significant stress later when navigating by flashlight.
Build Your Emergency Power Kit
Create a dedicated kit that's easily accessible even in darkness:
Water (one gallon per person daily) and non-perishable foods
Flashlights, headlamps, and battery-powered lanterns with fresh batteries
Battery-powered radio and phone chargers
Basic first-aid supplies and essential medications
Manual can opener and basic utensils
Check your supplies twice yearly and replace expired items.
Set Up Your Home for Outages
Your home requires a few key adjustments to weather outages comfortably. Consider installing a battery backup system for critical appliances or medical equipment that need continuous power. Learn how to manually release your garage door to prevent being trapped during power failures. Keep a small cash reserve in small denominations for purchases when card readers are down. Identify safe alternative cooking methods like propane camp stoves (for outdoor use only) and keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full, as gas pumps require electricity to operate.
Register for PG&E Alerts Now
Staying informed requires minimal setup but provides significant benefits. Update your contact information in your PG&E account settings to receive notifications through your preferred channels—text, email, or phone calls. Download the PG&E mobile app for real-time outage maps and status updates while you have reliable internet access. For households with members who rely on powered medical equipment, inquire about PG&E's Medical Baseline Program for additional notifications and potential assistance.
When a PGE Power Outage Strikes: Immediate Actions to Take
Even with your emergency kit ready and alerts set up, the moment your lights go out requires specific actions. Your preparation will make these steps easier, but knowing exactly what to do next is crucial.
Grab Flashlights & Unplug Electronics Immediately
The first moments of a power outage require quick action. Check if the outage affects just your home or the entire neighborhood by looking for functioning streetlights or neighbors' lights. Grab your flashlight or use your phone for immediate illumination. Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and gaming systems to protect them from potential power surges when electricity returns. Put on extra layers in cold weather rather than opening the refrigerator, which loses cold air with each opening.
Stay Away From Downed Lines & Use Generators Safely
Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed power lines—always assume they're energized, even if not visibly active, and call 911 immediately to report them. Never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces, including garages, even with doors open, as carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Position generators at least 20 feet from your home with exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Use battery-powered lighting instead of candles when possible, but if using candles, keep them on stable surfaces away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Keep Food Cold & Conserve Phone Battery
Concentrate activities in a single room to conserve heat in winter or use battery-powered fans in summer. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible—a full freezer stays safe for about 48 hours if unopened, while a refrigerator remains cold for approximately 4 hours. Conserve your phone battery by using airplane mode and checking for updates periodically. Send text messages rather than making calls to save battery and improve delivery chances during network congestion. Visit community resource centers activated during extended outages for charging stations and Wi-Fi access.
Check Your Circuit Breakers & Call PG&E
Before reporting, check your circuit breaker panel to rule out a simple tripped breaker. If your neighbors have power while you don't, the issue might be specific to your home. Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002 or use the PG&E mobile app to report outages. Have your account number or service address ready before calling. The system will provide an estimated restoration time, though these are preliminary and may change. For planned shutoffs, check PG&E's website for community resource centers where you can access basic services while waiting for power to return.
After a PGE Power Outage Ends: Essential Next Steps
When your lights flicker back to life, several quick actions will protect your home and prepare you for future outages.
Turn On Electronics One at a Time to Prevent Damage
Wait 10-15 minutes after power returns before reconnecting sensitive electronics to avoid damage from potential surges. Plug in devices gradually, starting with surge protectors and refrigerators, then adding smaller electronics. If you notice unusual sounds or smells from any device, unplug it immediately and have it professionally inspected before using again.
Check Refrigerated Foods Using the 2-Hour/4-Hour Rule
Use a food thermometer to check refrigerator temperature—if it's below 40°F, most foods are safe. Discard perishable foods (meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs) that have been above 40°F for more than 4 hours. Foods held above 40°F for 2-4 hours should be cooked immediately. When in doubt, throw it out. Frozen foods with ice crystals can be safely refrozen.
Restock Emergency Supplies Before the Next Outage
Replace batteries, non-perishable foods, water, and other supplies you used while the experience is still fresh. Test flashlights and other equipment, noting what worked well and what didn't. Update your emergency plan based on what you learned, focusing on items that proved most valuable during this outage.
Report Outage Experiences to PG&E
Call 1-800-743-5000 to report any issues experienced during the outage or restoration. Specific details about times, locations, and observations help PG&E identify patterns and improve infrastructure. For medical equipment concerns, inquire about the Medical Baseline Program for additional assistance during future outages.
PG&E Resources for Managing Power Outages
Having covered what to do before and during outages, let's explore the specific PG&E tools available to help you manage power disruptions.
PG&E Outage Map & Mobile App
The PG&E outage map at pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/ shows where outages are happening, affected customers, and estimated restoration times. For reporting outages or other electrical issues, you can use the PG&E mobile app or call 1-800-743-5000. The app lets you report problems with photos and track outage status updates without making calls.
For downed power lines or emergencies, always call 911 first, then contact PG&E.
PG&E Alerts & Notification System
PG&E will "always do our best to alert you before a PSPS via email, phone call and/or text." These alerts are sent as early as possible, day and night, as required by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Make sure your contact information is current in your PG&E account to receive notifications. You can also set up Address Alerts for locations important to you beyond your own home, such as where family members live.
Community Resource Centers
During extended outages, PG&E opens Community Resource Centers providing "ADA-accessible restrooms, medical equipment charging, device charging, Wi-Fi, bottled water and snacks." Indoor centers also offer air conditioning or heating and seating.
These centers are specifically opened during Public Safety Power Shutoff events to give community members access to basic resources when power is unavailable. Locations are posted on PG&E's website and outage map during events, typically operating during daytime and evening hours.
Be Ready Before the Next Blackout!
Power outages happen to PG&E customers every year, but with some advance preparation, they are inconvenient events rather than crises. By having your emergency kit ready now, being aware of the first steps to take when the lights go out, how to rebuild safely afterward, and having PG&E's resources at your fingertips, you are in control when power is not. This guide gives you a complete roadmap to handle outages with confidence. The small things you do today - from battery stocking to saving PG&E's phone number - will be the game-changer for your next blackout.