SF’s Power Shifts: PG&E Switches Back to Grid

San Francisco residents, particularly in the Mission District and Bayview, are seeing a significant shift in their local power supply. PG&E has begun transitioning thousands of customers from temporary diesel generators back to the primary electrical grid, promising a cleaner and more reliable energy future for our city.

The Big Switch: From Generators to Grid

Beginning last week, PG&E started moving approximately 1,600 Mission District customers from temporary diesel generators. This marks the initial phase of reconnecting thousands of customers across generator-reliant neighborhoods like the Mission and Bayview back to the core grid. The complete switch is expected to take several weeks.

Why the Temporary Generators Were Needed

These generators were a crucial stopgap after extensive damage to underground electrical infrastructure from a major August 2023 fire. They ensured power during repairs but were a short-term measure due to operational costs and environmental concerns.

Benefits of the Grid Power Transition

The return to PG&E’s established grid power system brings several key advantages for San Francisco residents and the environment, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.

Enhanced Reliability for Your Home and Business

Connecting back to PG&E’s main grid provides a more robust, stable power source than standalone generators. The regional grid offers a vast, interconnected network, diverse generation, and sophisticated management, improving overall service dependability for thousands of homes and businesses.

A Greener Footprint for the Bay Area

Groups like Brightline Defense raised air quality concerns from diesel generators. Switching to grid power substantially reduces local emissions and utilizes an energy mix with increasing renewables, making it a cleaner option for our city.

Impact on San Francisco Residents

Most residents won’t observe an immediate difference, but the transition upgrades long-term reliability and environmental quality. Affected customers may experience brief, planned interruptions during re-routing; PG&E typically provides advance notification.

PG&E’s Ongoing Infrastructure Commitment

This transition is part of PG&E’s broader strategy to modernize Bay Area electrical infrastructure. PG&E is investing in upgrades, enhancing grid technology, and increasing renewable energy integration for a more resilient, sustainable energy system.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will the transition be complete?
  The transition began last week (mid-June 2024) and is expected to take several weeks to fully complete for all affected customers in neighborhoods like the Mission and Bayview.
• Will my power go out during the switch?
  PG&E aims to minimize disruptions. Customers directly affected may experience brief, planned outages as their service is re-routed; PG&E typically provides advance notification.
• Why were generators used in the first place?
  They were a critical temporary solution to restore and maintain power to parts of SF, particularly the Mission and Bayview, after a major underground fire in August 2023 severely damaged existing electrical infrastructure.
• Is this move good for the environment and air quality?
  Yes, absolutely. Switching from diesel generators to the grid significantly reduces local air pollution and utilizes a power mix that includes an increasing share of renewable energy, making it a much greener option for San Francisco.
• Which areas are primarily affected by this switch?
  The initial phase of the transition focuses on customers in the Mission District, with other generator-powered areas like the Bayview also slated for reconnection to the main grid.

This transition marks a significant step forward for San Francisco’s energy infrastructure, promising more reliable and environmentally friendly power for our community. Stay informed about local energy developments to understand how these changes continue to benefit you and our Bay Area.

PG&E Reconnects Thousands in SF to Main Grid