The Bay Could San Francisco Really Take Over PG&E?
Jan 12, 2026
Laura Clivens, a climate reporter at KQED, dives deep into the recent power outages that rattled San Francisco during the holidays. She highlights the devastating impacts on businesses and vulnerable residents. Clivens discusses the mounting public outrage and the growing calls for the city to seize control of PG&E. She explores the complexities of eminent domain and shares insights from Sacramento's public power struggles. Ultimately, the conversation raises critical questions about accountability and the future of energy in the Bay Area.
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Holiday Substation Fire Disrupted Thousands
- Laura Clivens recounts a December substation fire that left roughly a third of San Francisco without power during the holidays.
- Residents in Richmond and the west side experienced outages lasting up to two or three days with repeated interruptions.
Power Loss Threatened Vulnerable Residents
- A wheelchair user described life-threatening consequences when power fails, from uncharged mobility devices to spoiled medication.
- Some residents were lucky because their buildings had backup generators, highlighting uneven impacts.
Outrage Fuels Public Power Conversations
- Public anger at PG&E intensified after repeated outages and perceived poor maintenance of infrastructure.
- That anger has revived calls for municipal or state takeover of the investor-owned utility.