PWP Outage or Your Panel? What to Check in Pasadena

When the lights go out in Pasadena, the first question is whether the problem is Pasadena Water & Power's or yours. If it's PWP's, their crews fix it and there's nothing for you to repair. If it's inside your home, at the panel, a breaker or a loose connection, PWP can't help and the power won't come back on its own. A few quick checks usually tell you which one you're dealing with in a couple of minutes. We're a licensed C-10 electrical contractor based in Pasadena, and this is the same order we walk customers through on the phone. If the checks point to your panel, request a free estimate or call 747-255-8595, day or night.

Step 1: Is It Just Your House?

Start outside your own walls:

Look at the neighbors. Are porch lights, streetlights and windows on next door and across the street? If the whole block is dark, it's almost certainly a PWP outage.
Check PWP's outage map. PWP's outage map shows active outages, how many customers are affected and an estimated restoration time when one is available.
Listen for PWP's call. PWP sends automated calls to affected customers with estimated restoration times, if your phone number is current on your account.

If neighbors have power and the map shows nothing near you, the problem is more likely at your home. Still report it, because PWP needs to know if a problem on its side affects only your service.

Step 2: Whole House or Only Part?

How much of the house is out tells you a lot.

Everything is out, neighbors are on. This can be your main breaker, a failed main panel, or a problem with PWP's service drop or meter. Look at the main breaker. If it's tripped, that's a sign of a serious overload or fault, so don't keep resetting it. Call us. If the main is on and everything is still dead, call PWP's power line first so they can check their side.

Only some rooms are out. This is usually inside the house: a tripped breaker, a tripped GFCI outlet that feeds other outlets, or a loose connection. Our partial power outage guide covers the common causes.

Lights are dim, flickering, or some 240-volt appliances won't run. This can mean you've lost one of the two "legs" of power coming into the house, or a loose neutral. It can come from PWP's equipment or from your service connection or panel. It can also damage electronics and motors. Turn off sensitive equipment, call PWP's power line, and if PWP says their side is fine, call an electrician the same day.

Step 3: Safe Checks at Your Panel

You can safely look at your breaker panel, but don't remove the cover. That's a job for a licensed electrician.

Open the panel door and look for a breaker in the middle or "off" position.
To reset it, push it firmly to off, then back to on.
If it trips again right away, leave it off and unplug what's on that circuit. A breaker that keeps tripping is protecting you from an overload or fault. See why breakers keep tripping.
Press the reset button on GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, the garage and outdoors.

Stop and call an electrician if you see scorch marks, smell burning or hot plastic, hear buzzing, or the panel feels warm. Older Pasadena homes often still have original panels, fuse boxes or brands like Zinsco and Federal Pacific that inspectors flag. If yours is one of them, an outage is a good time to talk about repairs and troubleshooting or a panel upgrade.

Who to Call in Pasadena

Pasadena homes are served by PWP, not SCE. If you're not sure which utility serves you, our PWP vs. SCE guide explains the boundary. PWP currently lists these numbers:

PWP power emergencies and outages (24/7): 626-744-4673
PWP customer service (weekdays): 626-744-4005
Anyone in danger, fire, or a downed line sparking: 911

Stay away from any downed wire and anything touching it, and always assume it's live.

Call 911 Construction & Electric when PWP confirms its side is fine, when the problem is a breaker, the panel, wiring or outlets, or when you smell burning or see damage at the panel. We offer 24/7 emergency electrical service.

How PWP Outages Work

PWP describes a few types of outages:

Repair outages after storms, car accidents and other damage. PWP says most are restored within a couple of hours and posts updates on social media if an outage is expected to last more than 4 hours.
Maintenance outages, which PWP plans ahead and notifies customers about in advance.
Rotating outages, which PWP calls exceptionally rare. They're ordered by the state grid operator during a Level 3 energy emergency.

PWP restores the largest number of customers first, so how fast your power returns depends on how close you are to the cause. During an outage, PWP recommends turning off major appliances like air conditioners and pool pumps so they don't all start at once when power returns. If you suspect a gas leak, don't operate switches. PWP's tips say to turn off individual breakers first, then the main.

If someone in your home relies on plug-in medical equipment, let PWP know at 626-744-4005. PWP's Medical Assistance Program coordinates with emergency responders, and customers may qualify for a $10 monthly bill credit.

Planning for the Next Outage

If outages keep catching you off guard, a few electrical upgrades help:

Backup power. A home battery like a Tesla Powerwall can keep essential circuits running. See our home battery backup guide and PWP's 2026 battery rebate.
Safe generator hookup. PWP warns never to connect a generator directly to house wiring. A permitted generator interlock or transfer switch does it safely.
Surge protection. A whole-house surge protector helps protect electronics and appliances from power surges. The current electrical code requires one when a service is replaced.

In Pasadena these jobs need a City permit, and a licensed electrician pulls it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check for a power outage in Pasadena?

Check PWP's online outage map, then call PWP's power line at 626-744-4673 to report it. PWP takes outage reports 24 hours a day.

Why is half my house out but my neighbors have power?

Usually a tripped breaker, a tripped GFCI outlet, or a lost leg of power to your service. Reset breakers safely, then call PWP and an electrician if it doesn't come back.

Should I keep resetting a breaker that trips?

No. A breaker that trips again right away is protecting against an overload or fault. Leave it off, unplug what's on that circuit, and have it checked.

How long do PWP power outages last?

PWP says most outages are restored within a couple of hours. After a major disaster, some customers may be without power for days.

Does PWP fix problems inside my electrical panel?

No. PWP handles its lines and equipment. Your panel, breakers and house wiring are yours, and a licensed electrician repairs them with a City permit.

Power Problems in Pasadena? Call a Local C-10

911 Construction & Electric Inc. is a licensed, bonded and insured C-10 electrical contractor (CA Lic. #1027421) at 1308 E Colorado Blvd Ste 141, Pasadena, CA 91106, serving Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, Burbank, Arcadia, the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles. When PWP says their side is fine, we troubleshoot breakers, panels and wiring for homes across Pasadena. Request a free estimate, call 747-255-8595 or visit https://911electrics.com. 24/7 emergency service available.