Santa Clara County Power Outage History
2015–2025 · California
Average — typical outage frequency and duration nationally. How grades are calculated
Outages by year
Outages by month (seasonality)
Worst outage events on record
| Date | Duration | Customers affected | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2024 | 137 hrs | 145,840 (17%) | Strong Wind |
| Mar 14, 2023 | 53 hrs | 138,982 (16%) | High Wind |
| Jan 10, 2023 | 6 hrs | 68,962 (8%) | Strong Wind |
| Sep 4, 2022 | 117 hrs | 50,309 (6%) | Heat |
| Mar 21, 2023 | 23 hrs | 43,062 (5%) | Strong Wind |
Over the 11 years from 2015 to 2025, Santa Clara County recorded 5,311 distinct power outage events, averaging 3.7 hours per event.
The single worst outage on record in Santa Clara County started February 4, 2024 (Strong Wind), lasting 137 hours and leaving up to 145,840 customers without power (17% of the county) at its peak.
October has historically been the worst month for outages in Santa Clara County, with 522 events recorded during that month across the dataset.
Based on this history, Santa Clara County earns a Reliability Grade of C, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally for grid reliability (higher percentile = more reliable).
Sized for Santa Clara County's outage profile
See more picks in our Best Dual-Fuel Portable Generators for Power Outages roundup.

Champion Power Equipment 4375-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Free 3-Year Warranty
Outage-prep kit
See our outage-prep guides.

Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern 4000LM with Remote – Tent Light, Warm/Neutral/Cool 3 Modes & Stepless Dimming, IPX5 Waterproof, Magnetic Hook, Portable for Camping & Glamping
Similar counties in California
Counties with the closest reliability grade and national percentile to Santa Clara County.
| County | Grade | National percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Tulare County | C | 56th |
| Contra Costa County | C | 59th |
| Sacramento County | C | 59th |
| Kern County | B | 60th |
| San Diego County | B | 61st |
FAQ
How often does power go out in Santa Clara County?
Between 2015 and 2025, Santa Clara County recorded 5,311 outage events, averaging 3.7 hours each.
What is Santa Clara County's reliability grade?
Santa Clara County has a Reliability Grade of C, in the 56th national percentile.
What was the worst power outage in Santa Clara County?
The worst outage on record started February 4, 2024 (Strong Wind), lasting 137 hours and affecting up to 145,840 customers.

