Power Outage Affects Thousands In Benicia

BENICIA, CA — A massive power outage Monday that initially affected more than 3,700 customers in Benicia was still affecting 1,346 residents as of 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to Pacific Gas & and Electric Co. The electricity outage started at about 1:45 p.m. Monday and affected 3,710 customers, a PG&E spokesperson told Patch.

PG&E said its crews were on scene of the outage and were assessing what may have caused it. An estimated time for restoration was unknown, Karly Hernandez of PG&E said at 6:45 p.m.

The outage comes on a day when Benicia and many of its neighboring Bay Area cities are experiencing 100-plus degree temperatures, with an excessive heat warning in place.

Hernandez told Patch the cause is still being investigated but it does appear to be related to the heat.

City of Benicia officials confirmed the outage, saying it was primarily affecting residents south of Interstate Highway 780.

The outage was also affecting the Benicia Public Library, which serves as the city's cooling center on warm days such as Monday, and the James Lemos Pool.

City officials advised anyone needing relief from the heat to head to nearby Vallejo, where both the JFK Library, located at 505 Santa Clara St., and the Springstowne Library, located at 1003 Oakwood Ave., are open as cooling centers.

"Benicia Fire Department staff will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates," city officials said. "Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and head to a family or friend with power."

Patch will update should post more information become available; please refresh the page for the latest.