Burlingame, California, has faced significant disruptions this week as local businesses grappled with multiple power outages caused by a leak of an unknown petroleum product. According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), crews discovered the substance infiltrating their underground electrical vaults, damaging essential equipment. The leak has led to ongoing challenges for local merchants who rely heavily on consistent power to operate.
On Wednesday, PG&E initiated efforts to address the issue, but restoring power has proven complicated. While the utility company provided generators for affected businesses, owners were required to engage private electricians to conduct safety checks before PG&E would reconnect the power supply. This precaution aims to prevent potential hazards, such as explosions, as highlighted by John Kevranian of the Broadway Burlingame Business Improvement District.
“It’s crucial to certify that everything is safe before we can turn the power back on,” Kevranian noted. This requirement has delayed the restoration of services for businesses like Burlingame LaGuna Florist, owned by Lucy Dul. Dul expressed her concern as she prepares for a significant event on March 15, 2024, stating, “We’re not a big corporation; we can’t easily absorb these costs.”
The financial impact of the outages has been severe for local restaurateurs like Calvin Wang. He reported losses exceeding $12,000 due to employee salaries and food waste. Wang emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “These outages have really hurt our revenue, and we just want to return to normal operations.”
Efforts to support local businesses are underway, with representatives from the Broadway Burlingame Business Improvement District planning to request subsidies from their board to help cover the costs incurred during this challenging period.
PG&E continues to investigate the source of the petroleum leak while working to remove the hazardous substance from their vaults. They have confirmed that the material is not one of their standard operational products.
As the community looks to recover, local business owners remain hopeful for a resolution. “I just hope it won’t happen again,” Wang remarked, reflecting the collective desire for stability in Burlingame’s vibrant commercial landscape.
