"The outage snarled traffic, confused Waymo autonomous vehicles and disrupted public transit. It also harmed many small businesses, forcing them to close their doors on one of the busiest holiday shopping days of the year, losing out on major anticipated profits. "These are mom-and-pop businesses," Lee said. "They don't have a big cushion; they operate on very thin margins. And this kind of devastating loss could mean the difference between keeping their doors open and closing.""
"Bill Lee, who owns Far East Cafe in Chinatown, said the banquet-style Chinese restaurant was expecting a party of 700 the night of the blackout. "Can you imagine the disappointment for the guests and the restaurant owner? They have suffered tremendously," he said. "The $2,500 payment by PG&E is not nearly, nearly enough. Many other restaurants in the entire city are likewise damaged.""
A PG&E substation fire on Mission and 8th streets contributed to a widespread Dec. 2025 San Francisco power outage that disrupted traffic, Waymo autonomous vehicles and public transit. The outage forced many small businesses to close during a major holiday shopping period, costing substantial anticipated revenue and threatening thin-margin operations. Numerous merchants reported that offered $2,500 credits did not cover actual financial damages and that some payments remain delayed or unresolved. More than 100 West Side business owners and residents signed a petition urging the Board of Supervisors to hold PG&E accountable. City leaders plan hearings to question PG&E's response and compensation.
Read at Kqed
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