Storm outages: safety first, diagnosis second.
Marin storms can damage utility lines (PG&E side) or your service entrance (homeowner side). Both feel the same from inside. Knowing the difference helps you call the right party first.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Storm outage triage: (1) Stay clear of any downed lines — assume energized. Call 911 if downed lines are near people. Call PG&E to report. (2) If your home is dark but the immediate damage isn't at your property, it's likely a grid outage — track PG&E outage map. (3) If you see damage at your weatherhead or service drop (the lines from utility pole to your house), call PG&E first to disconnect, then electrician for repair. Damaged weatherheads require electrician work before PG&E reconnects.
01What storms typically break.
PG&E side damage: trees on lines (most common — Marin has many trees near overhead lines), pole damage from high wind, transformer failures from lightning or debris, line damage from flying debris. Recovery is PG&E's responsibility; timing depends on damage scope. Major storms can mean multi-day outages. Track PG&E outage map (pge.com/outages) for estimated restoration. Use generator or backup power if available; manage food in refrigerators per safety guidance (separate cluster).
Homeowner-side damage: weatherhead damage (where service drop attaches to house — vulnerable to falling branches), service drop conductor damage (sometimes branches break or fray the lines between pole and house), service entrance mast damage (the conduit/mast that contains the conductors), meter base damage. These typically require electrician repair + PG&E coordination (PG&E disconnects, electrician repairs, PG&E reconnects). Process can take 1-3 days depending on damage and availability.
02Response by damage type.
Downed lines anywhere
Stay 35 feet away minimum. Assume energized. Don't touch trees or anything contacting downed lines (current can transmit through wood). Call 911 if immediate hazard to people; call PG&E to report (1-800-743-5000). PG&E dispatches to secure the area.
Weatherhead/service drop damage at house
If you can see damage at your house side (broken weatherhead, damaged mast, frayed service drop conductors): call PG&E first to disconnect service for safety. Then call electrician to repair the homeowner-side components. PG&E reconnects after electrician completes repair and AHJ inspects.
Grid outage, no visible damage
Check PG&E outage map — most grid outages have estimated restoration times. No homeowner action required other than safety (cleared food, generator use, etc.). Don't open panel or attempt diagnosis — wait for grid restoration. If neighbors have power and you don't, escalate to internal-outage diagnosis (see partial outage cluster).
03Working with PG&E and electrician.
For damaged weatherhead or service entrance scenarios, the workflow is: (1) PG&E disconnects service at the meter or transformer to allow safe work. (2) Electrician repairs the damaged components (typically weatherhead, mast, meter base, sometimes conductors). (3) Local AHJ inspects the repair (may be expedited for emergency repair). (4) PG&E reconnects service. Timeline: 1-3 days typical depending on damage extent and PG&E/AHJ availability.
Cost expectations: weatherhead repair $600-$1,500; service entrance mast replacement $1,200-$3,500; meter base replacement $1,800-$4,500; service entrance conductor replacement $800-$2,400. Insurance often covers storm damage to service entrance — document with photos, get electrician estimate, file claim. Many Marin homeowners have storm damage covered with $500-$2,500 deductibles.
Common questions.
Should I call PG&E or electrician first?
Depends on what you see. If you see downed lines, damaged service drop, or any damage at the connection point on your house: call PG&E first to disconnect for safety. If you see no damage at the house and neighbors are also out: PG&E grid outage, wait for restoration. If neighbors have power but you don't: call electrician (or call PG&E to verify their side is fine, then call electrician).
How long do major Marin storm outages last?
Varies by storm severity. Typical wind storm or atmospheric river: 1-12 hours. Major storms (December atmospheric rivers, multi-day events): can extend to 2-5 days in heavily-affected areas. PSPS events (preventive shutoffs): 24-72 hours typical. Standby generator or solar+battery is meaningful insurance — Marin's outage profile justifies backup investment for many homeowners.
Will PG&E reimburse food spoilage from extended outage?
Generally no — PG&E doesn't reimburse food spoilage from utility outages. Some homeowner insurance policies cover refrigerator/freezer contents up to specific limits (typically $250-$500). Document the outage duration, take photos of spoiled food, file claim if covered. For frequent outage areas of Marin, food spoilage coverage may be worth checking on your policy.
Can you repair weatherhead damage same-day?
Often yes for accessible damage. Same-day weatherhead repair requires: PG&E disconnect coordination (usually same-day available for emergencies), accessible damage location (most are), parts availability (we stock common service entrance components). Typical timeline: 4-8 hours from call to PG&E reconnect for accessible damage. Some complex scenarios extend to 2-3 days.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Emergency response across Marin County.
Same-day dispatch for safety scenarios. Typical on-site time 1-3 hours weekday, 1-4 hours after-hours.