What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt - AP News
AP News
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
California’s planned power outages are causing significant disruptions for schools, leading to safety concerns, lost instructional time, and increased costs. Schools across the state face challenges as utilities like PG&E实施 scheduled blackouts to reduce wildfire risks. These outages not only plunge schools into darkness but also force closures or shifts to virtual learning, leaving students and educators struggling to adapt. Districts are grappling with additional expenses for generators, backup power systems, and other mitigation strategies, with some reporting six-figure bills. The financial burden is particularly felt by smaller, underfunded districts.
The outages are part of California’s broader effort to manage the state’s high-risk wildfire season, which has been exacerbated by climate change and aging infrastructure. Utilities have implemented these measures to prevent sparking fires during extreme weather conditions. However, schools are left in a difficult position, balancing public safety with operational continuity. Many districts report feeling blindsided by the outages’ frequency and duration, leaving them unprepared for such extensive disruptions.
The impact on education is profound. Teachers and students face lost class time, disrupted learning schedules, and the added stress of adapting to virtual instruction during outages. Some schools have even had to evacuate due to safety concerns during power cuts, further complicating the situation. Parents and teachers are calling for better communication from utilities and state officials to address these challenges.
This issue highlights a critical intersection of public safety, energy policy, and education funding. As California gr
Verticals
newsgeneral
Originally published on AP News on 2/25/2026