Thousands of people in San Francisco were left in the dark after a massive power outage this past weekend. Not only were various homes and businesses left without heat and power, but self-driving cars were stalling in the streets. Find out what caused the majority of the city to be left in the dark.
Massive Power Outage In San Francisco Leaves City In The Dark
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company suffered a major power outage on December 20. They shared an update on their X account regarding the issue. "We are working with first responders and city officials on the outage in San Francisco," they announced. Additionally, they shared how the power outage is affecting "130,000 customers." Also, they promised to share updates as they became available.
While acknowledgement of the problem brought some level of peace, I am sure it did not provide all the necessary comforts to those without power. After all, being without light and heat in mid-December is not fun. During those dark hours, not only were people without heat, but the infamous self-driving cars were shutting down in the middle of the road. Besides being creepy and like something out of an apocalyptic film, this also caused major traffic jams throughout the city.
Social Media Shares Insane Videos
Power outage in San Francisco made all autonomous cars just stop where they are.
They can’t do anything. Crazy pic.twitter.com/DVQQ22GhEm
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) December 21, 2025
One user shared a video on their X account showing the mayhem in the streets after the major power outage. The user, who goes by Lord Bebo, shared "Power outage in San Francisco made all autonomous cars just stop where they are." Then he added, "They can't do anything. Crazy." From there, the video shows the various self-driving cars stalled in the middle of the street.
They are causing massive traffic jams as taxis and other gas-powered vehicles try to make their way around them. The city is dark except for the headlights of the many vehicles trying to make it home. While many were on the road when the power outage happened, Mayor Daniel Luri urged residents to stay indoors. In an Instagram video, he stated the following: "Muni lines and traffic signals are impacted by the power outage. If you don't need to travel tonight, please stay off the roads and stay inside."
Additionally, he shared that "We remain in close contact with PG&E as they restore power and will keep everybody posted as work continues."
