The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on addressing recent power outages and the need for improved communication with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). The meeting began with discussions surrounding a significant power failure that occurred on April 26, which affected over 9,000 service connections. Participants emphasized the importance of timely communication from PG&E during outages to mitigate impacts on residents and essential services.

The first item on the agenda involved a report from the Department of Public Health regarding the outages' effects on health and safety. Officials highlighted that power interruptions not only disrupt electricity but also impact water and sewer services, particularly in high-rise buildings reliant on electric-powered pumps. The need for better coordination and communication with PG&E was reiterated, as officials noted that delays in information sharing exacerbated the situation.

Terry Salts, the Director of Facilities, reported on a recent meeting with PG&E, where discussions included potential improvements in monitoring circuits and the possibility of providing redundant power to critical facilities. Salts confirmed that while communication has improved, there is still work to be done to ensure that facility managers have clear points of contact during emergencies.

Michael Hyams from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) addressed the committee next, emphasizing the SFPUC's role in providing essential utilities and the reliance on PG&E's infrastructure for electricity delivery. Hyams expressed empathy for residents affected by outages and stressed the need for reliable communication from PG&E during such incidents.

The meeting also featured remarks from PG&E's regional vice president, Aaron Johnson, who acknowledged the challenges posed by recent outages and the company's commitment to improving local operations. Johnson provided details on the company's response efforts during the April outage, including the activation of emergency operations and communication with affected customers. He noted that while the majority of customers were restored within 24 hours, ongoing investigations were necessary to identify the root causes of the outages.

As the meeting progressed, it became evident that communication and infrastructure reliability were central themes. Officials from various departments expressed a collective desire to enhance collaboration with PG&E to better serve the community and prevent future disruptions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical need for improved communication between PG&E and city officials, particularly during power outages. The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to address infrastructure challenges and ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted for San Francisco residents. Follow-up meetings were scheduled to continue these important conversations and work towards actionable solutions.