Residents in Pleasanton are demanding answers after repeated PG&E outages left thousands without power this week, disrupting schools, homes, and businesses.
On Wednesday, more than 2,000 customers in West Pleasanton were impacted by a sudden PG&E outage, stretching across neighborhoods including Foothill Road, Muirwood Drive, and Stoneridge Drive. The outage began just before 1 p.m. and lasted until about 3 p.m., according to PG&E’s outage map.
Impact on Schools and Families
The disruption hit hard at Lydiksen Elementary School and Foothill High School, leaving students and staff without power during crucial class hours. Susan Frey, communications coordinator for Pleasanton Unified School District, confirmed the event, noting that Foothill High had already experienced another PG&E outage earlier this month.
Without backup generators, both schools rely only on limited emergency systems for phone and internet. For parents and teachers, the repeated interruptions are becoming more than an inconvenience — they are affecting students’ learning time and creating safety concerns.
Residents Share Growing Concerns
Local residents say these outages are no longer isolated incidents. Many in the Muirwood area reported experiencing five PG&E outages just this month, some lasting for hours.
“There’s no notice, it just hits you,” said Tony Priestley, a Pleasanton homeowner. His household cares for a bed-bound family member who relies on powered medical equipment. “When the power goes out, it’s not just uncomfortable — it’s dangerous.”
Others echoed similar frustrations. Jessica, another resident, explained that she constantly has to use a generator to keep her home running. “We’ve dealt with outages for years, but this summer feels worse. It’s happening so often that it makes you question PG&E’s infrastructure,” she said.
Beyond personal discomfort, repeated blackouts have caused spoiled food, damaged appliances, and disrupted remote work setups.
PG&E Responds to Outage Complaints
PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian said the Wednesday PG&E outage was triggered during system upgrades aimed at improving reliability in Pleasanton. A power line with an enhanced safety setting automatically shut off to prevent potential wildfire risks. Crews patrolled the area by helicopter but could not immediately determine what caused the line to trip.
Importantly, PG&E clarified that the recent outages were not related to extreme heat. The utility has promised to continue projects that will reduce future disruptions, including tree trimming and addressing animal-related impacts on power lines.
City and Residents Demand Action
Heather Tiernan, a spokesperson for the City of Pleasanton, said officials have been in “more regular contact” with PG&E leadership to push for faster improvements. Still, residents argue that explanations are not enough.
“We’d like to see action,” Jessica emphasized.
Some households have turned to backup options, such as portable generators, but not everyone qualifies for rebate programs or has the resources to purchase alternative power solutions.
With a heat advisory looming over the Bay Area, many fear that more PG&E outages could strike in the coming days, leaving vulnerable residents without relief.
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