BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — Thousands of residents and businesses in Bakersfield experienced electricity disruptions on Wednesday morning, October 28, 2026, after two separate Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) outages affected parts of the city. The interruptions extended across several areas, from Oildale and downtown Bakersfield toward the southern part of the city, disrupting businesses and traffic signals.
The outages were first reported at approximately 8:59 a.m. According to local reporting based on PG&E’s outage information, around 7,610 customers initially lost power. By approximately 11 a.m., electricity had been restored to many affected customers, although slightly more than 3,000 homes and businesses remained without service.
Repair crews were working to address the interruptions, and restoration estimates varied by location. Residents were encouraged to monitor updates from their electricity provider for the latest information about their addresses.
Latest Updates on the Bakersfield Power Outage
The two outages affected a broad area of Bakersfield on Wednesday morning. Reported locations included Manor Street, East Roberts Lane, Alta Vista Drive, downtown Bakersfield, South H Street, and Planz Road.
The disruptions affected residential customers as well as businesses. Reports also indicated that some traffic signals were impacted, creating additional concerns for drivers navigating affected intersections.
Although approximately 7,610 customers were initially affected, the reported total declined as restoration work progressed. This indicates that service returned to many customers during the morning, but the precise restoration status for individual neighborhoods could vary.
The reported figures reflect conditions during the morning update and should not be interpreted as a live count of customers currently without electricity. Outage conditions can change as crews complete repairs and utilities update their records.
What Caused the Power Outage?
Initial information from PG&E’s outage map indicated that an object was contacting a power line. Crews were expected to make repairs, but the available reports did not establish all the circumstances behind the two separate outages.
Investigators and utility personnel may need to inspect affected equipment before providing a more complete explanation. Until PG&E releases further details, the specific sequence of events leading to the interruptions remains unclear.
Power outages can occur for various reasons, including equipment failures, damaged lines, contact with electrical infrastructure, severe weather, or scheduled maintenance. These are general possibilities and should not be confused with a confirmed explanation for Wednesday’s Bakersfield incidents.
Which Areas Were Affected?
The reported outages covered multiple parts of Bakersfield, with the affected areas stretching from Oildale toward downtown and southern Bakersfield.
The locations mentioned in early reports included:
- Manor Street and East Roberts Lane.
- Alta Vista Drive and nearby areas.
- Downtown Bakersfield.
- South H Street.
- The vicinity of Planz Road.
These locations provide a general picture of the reported disruption, not a complete list of affected streets or addresses. Customers living nearby may have experienced different conditions depending on the boundaries of each outage.
Residents should check the utility’s outage map using their own address to confirm whether an interruption is recorded in their area.
When Will Electricity Be Restored?
PG&E’s outage information initially listed an estimated restoration time of approximately 11:30 a.m. for affected areas, while some estimates were pushed into the afternoon.
Restoration estimates are not guarantees. They may change as repair crews inspect equipment, identify the source of an interruption, and determine what work is needed to restore service safely.
Because power was restored to many customers during the morning, the remaining restoration timeline may have differed from one neighborhood to another. Customers should use the latest address-specific information provided by PG&E rather than rely solely on an earlier estimate.
Bakersfield Power Outage: Key Details
| Detail | Latest reported information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bakersfield, Kern County, California |
| Date | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 |
| Utility | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Number of outages | Two reported outages |
| Initial number of affected customers | Approximately 7,610 |
| Time first reported | Approximately 8:59 a.m. |
| Areas mentioned | Oildale, downtown Bakersfield, South H Street and Planz Road, among others |
| Customers still affected around 11 a.m. | Slightly more than 3,000 |
| Preliminary cause | An object contacting a power line, according to the reported outage information |
| Restoration estimates | Varied by location |
| Current status | Requires confirmation through PG&E’s latest outage updates |
Safety Advice During a Power Outage
Residents affected by an interruption should take precautions while waiting for electricity to return.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help preserve food. Use flashlights instead of candles when practical, and avoid operating generators indoors or near doors, windows, and ventilation openings because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Anyone who encounters a downed power line should stay well away from it and avoid touching the line or nearby objects. Report the hazard to emergency services and the utility. Drivers should approach intersections carefully if traffic signals are not operating.
When power returns, residents should follow utility guidance and check essential appliances and equipment to ensure they are operating safely.
Where to Find Official Updates
PG&E customers can check the company’s official outage center to look up an address, review reported interruptions, and submit an outage report if their service loss is not listed. The map is updated periodically, although updates may take longer during widespread outages.
Customers can also contact PG&E’s 24-hour power outage information line at 1-800-743-5002.
The California Office of Emergency Services also publishes statewide power outage data compiled from participating utility maps. However, county-level data may not identify the exact status of a particular home or business.
Final Update
The October 28 Bakersfield power disruptions affected approximately 7,610 customers across two reported PG&E outages. By late morning, the number of affected customers had fallen to slightly more than 3,000 as restoration work continued.
The initial outage information pointed to an object contacting a power line, but further details about the cause were not established in the reports reviewed. Restoration estimates also varied across affected areas.
Residents seeking to determine whether their electricity has been restored should consult PG&E’s latest address-specific outage information. The situation may change as crews complete repairs and the utility provides further updates.
