San Luis Obispo County, February 11, 2026
A recent power outage in San Luis Obispo County disrupted service for hundreds of residents. The outage, attributed to an electric pole incident, commenced on February 10, with utility crews working tirelessly to restore power. Some areas remain without service as restoration efforts continue. Residents are reminded to prioritize safety during outages, including keeping refrigerator doors closed.
Power Outage Impacts San Luis Obispo County Residents
San Luis Obispo, CA – In a significant event, hundreds of residents in San Luis Obispo County experienced a power outage that commenced on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Local utility crews have been working day and night to restore service to the affected areas as quickly as possible.
Details of the Outage
The outage was first reported at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, impacting communities primarily west of Spring Street in Paso Robles and regions north of 24th Street and west of Riverside Avenue. Furthermore, neighborhoods along Nacimiento Lake Drive and Adelaida Road also experienced interruptions in service. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) attributed the cause to an incident involving an electric pole, which triggered the utility’s Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). This safety protocol is designed to automatically de-energize power lines to mitigate wildfire risks when potential hazards are detected. Restoration efforts commenced immediately, with expectations to fully restore power by 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. As of 12:42 p.m. on Wednesday, some customers had seen their power restored; however, approximately 2,800 customers remained without service, with PG&E crews actively addressing the remaining outages. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official PG&E communications on restoration timelines.
Safety Precautions During Power Outages
In the midst of such outages, prioritizing safety is essential. Residents should remain vigilant and avoid any downed power lines, reporting them to PG&E immediately. For individuals relying on medical equipment that requires electricity, having a backup plan is crucial. The San Luis Obispo County Health Agency suggests keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain food safety. An unopened refrigerator can sustain a temperature of 41ºF or below for as long as four hours, while opened units can only maintain this temperature for approximately two hours. Perishable food items may generally be kept at room temperature for about an hour without risking spoilage.
Background on Power Outages in San Luis Obispo County
Power outages are relatively common occurrences in San Luis Obispo County, particularly during adverse weather conditions or incidents related to power lines. A similar outage in October 2023 impacted nearly 3,000 PG&E customers in northern San Luis Obispo County, while a May 2025 event affected over 700 customers in Paso Robles due to a downed power line, which also contributed to small brush fires. Residents are encouraged to be prepared for such situations by maintaining emergency kits and backup power solutions, especially if they rely on electricity for essential medical devices.
Contact Information
For additional information or to report an outage, residents should reach out to PG&E’s 24-hour service line at (800) 743-5000. For the latest updates on restoration efforts, visiting PG&E’s official website or following their social media channels is recommended. Guidelines for food safety during power outages can be found through the San Luis Obispo County Health Agency.
FAQ
What caused the power outage in San Luis Obispo County?
The outage was triggered by an incident involving an electric pole, which activated PG&E’s Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). This safety measure automatically de-energizes power lines to prevent potential wildfire risks when hazards are detected.
When is power expected to be restored?
Power is expected to be fully restored by 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. As of 12:42 p.m. on Wednesday, power had been restored to some customers, but approximately 2,800 customers remained without service.
How can residents stay safe during power outages?
Residents should avoid downed power lines and report them to PG&E immediately. For those using medical equipment that relies on electricity, it’s important to have a backup plan in place. The San Luis Obispo County Health Agency recommends keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain food safety. If the power is out, do not open the units if possible. An unopened refrigerator should be able to maintain a temperature of 41ºF or below for up to 4 hours. A refrigerator whose door has been opened may maintain this temperature for less than 2 hours. Readily perishable foods can generally be kept at room temperature for up to an hour without spoilage or potential health problems.
How can I report a power outage?
Residents can contact PG&E’s 24-hour service line at (800) 743-5000 to report an outage or for more information. For updates on restoration efforts, visit PG&E’s official website or follow their social media channels. For food safety guidelines during power outages, refer to the San Luis Obispo County Health Agency’s recommendations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Outage Cause | Incident involving an electric pole triggering PG&E’s Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) |
| Restoration Timeline | Power expected to be fully restored by 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |
| Safety Recommendations | Avoid downed power lines, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and have a backup plan for medical equipment |
| Contact Information | PG&E’s 24-hour service line: (800) 743-5000; San Luis Obispo County Health Agency for food safety guidelines |
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