On March 26, 2026, a significant power outage impacted over 100,000 customers in North San Diego County and South Orange County. The outages began at 7:41 PM and were largely restored by 8:56 PM, affecting both coastal and inland communities.
Coastal areas such as Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Costa, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhain experienced widespread outages, with approximately 45,000 residents without power at the peak. Inland regions, including San Pasqual, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, and Escondido, also faced disruptions, with around 14,000 customers affected in Escondido alone.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has acknowledged the disruption caused by the outages. A spokesperson stated, “We understand how disruptive outages can be and are working to investigate the cause.” They emphasized that the safety of customers, employees, and communities remains their top priority.
As of now, the exact cause of the outage has not been determined, and details remain unconfirmed. Residents have been advised to monitor updates through SDG&E’s outage tracking system to stay informed about the situation.
Power was restored to most areas by around 8:50 PM, alleviating some of the immediate concerns for affected residents. However, the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the outage continues to prompt questions from the community.
Officials and observers are closely monitoring the situation as SDG&E conducts its investigation. The utility company is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
This incident highlights the importance of reliable electricity service and the impact outages can have on daily life in affected communities. Residents are encouraged to stay prepared for future outages and to utilize available resources for updates and assistance.