PG&E shows no outage — but you're dark.
PG&E's outage map shows grid issues. If they don't show an outage at your address but your power is out, the problem is on your property — likely main breaker, service entrance, or panel. PG&E doesn't track or report internal issues.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
PG&E outage map shows only PG&E-managed grid outages. Internal issues at your home (main breaker tripped, service entrance damage, panel failure) don't appear on PG&E's map because PG&E doesn't monitor inside your service entrance. If their map shows your area as 'no outage' but your home is dark: the issue is internal. Proceed as for internal outage — check main breaker, call electrician if needed.
01Why PG&E doesn't see internal outages.
PG&E's outage management system tracks grid components: transformers, distribution lines, service drops at the utility side. Their monitoring goes as far as the meter (sometimes — smart meters provide some visibility) but doesn't extend into your service entrance, panel, or branch circuits. If your main breaker trips, your panel fails, or your service entrance is damaged on the homeowner side, PG&E has no telemetry. Their map shows 'no outage' because, from their perspective, they're delivering power normally to your meter.
The mismatch (PG&E sees no outage; you have no power) is the diagnostic clue. It almost always means internal issue. Call PG&E to verify they show power flowing to your meter — they can confirm meter status remotely. If they confirm grid side is fine and meter is energized, the issue is between meter and your appliances — main breaker, panel, branch circuits. Call electrician.
02Common internal causes.
Main breaker tripped
Most common single cause. Reset once firmly (push to OFF then ON). If holds, you're back; monitor for repeat trips. If trips again immediately or doesn't reset, call electrician.
Service entrance damage
Damaged weatherhead, mast, or service entrance conductors between meter and panel. Symptoms: power out, sometimes intermittent before failure. Requires electrician + PG&E coordination.
Panel failure (especially older panels)
Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and aging panels (40+ years) can fail in ways that cause complete outage even with main breaker on. Often warns with intermittent issues, hot panel, burning smell. Requires panel replacement.
03Confirming and proceeding.
Step 1 confirmation: call PG&E (1-800-743-5000). Ask them to confirm whether your meter shows power. They can check remotely with smart meters (most Marin has smart meters). If they confirm meter is energized and grid side is fine: definitively internal issue.
Step 2 action: open your main panel (safely — don't touch components, just look). Locate main breaker. If tripped (middle position), reset firmly. If reset restores power, monitor. If reset doesn't restore or trips immediately, call electrician. Same-day emergency dispatch available across Marin from Towery Electric. Don't keep cycling the breaker — repeated trips signal a real fault that resetting doesn't fix and could worsen.
Common questions.
What if PG&E says the meter is also dead?
Then it's a PG&E-side issue specific to your property — service drop damaged between transformer and meter, transformer issue, sometimes localized grid issue affecting only you (rare). PG&E dispatches their crew to investigate and repair. This isn't internal — wait for PG&E. Estimated time varies; PG&E provides updates as they investigate.
How long until PG&E updates their map for individual issues?
They typically don't — PG&E's map shows grid outages affecting multiple customers. Individual service issues (your service drop only) may or may not appear depending on the cause. Don't rely on the map for individual issues. Call PG&E directly for status.
Can I file a complaint with PG&E about not being on their map?
Not productive. The map shows what they can see and track. Individual service issues are handled via the phone line and crew dispatch, not the public map. If you experienced extended outage that PG&E was slow to respond to, complaints go to CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) rather than PG&E directly.
Should I document this for any reason?
Yes — document the outage time, any property damage from the outage (food spoilage, electronics failure on restoration if relevant), professional repair documentation if applicable. Useful for homeowner insurance claims if any covered loss occurred, and for your own records if patterns of outages affect your property over time.
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.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.