Default rule and exceptions
Southern California Edison says it is generally responsible for losses due to its negligence and is not responsible for food loss or property damage from forces outside its control, including weather-related conditions such as wind and rain. PG&E says that in most instances it is not responsible for power outages or property damage caused by weather-related conditions such as floods, extreme storms and winds. Homeowners policies usually cover up to $500 of food spoiled by an outage caused by a covered peril.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Utility (SCE, PG&E) | Responsible for losses due to its own negligence; not responsible for outages or damage caused by weather-related conditions outside its control. |
| Homeowners insurer | Usually covers up to $500 of food that spoils from a power outage caused by a covered peril. |
| Customer | Files a claim with an itemized list of spoiled food with receipts or documentation of cost. |
| Exceptions | PG&E says food spoilage and similar claims are paid only if submitted and resolved within one year from the date of the incident. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 1, 2026.
Generally, we are responsible for losses that occur due to our negligence. However, in many instances, we are NOT responsible for power outages, voltage fluctuations, food loss, or property damage that occur due to forces outside our control, such as earthquakes and weather-related conditions including wind, rain, fog, lightning, or extreme heat.
For claims regarding food loss: itemized list detailing spoiled food, with receipts or documentation of cost.
For example, in most instances, we are not responsible in the following situations: Power outages, voltage fluctuations or property damage caused by earthquakes, weather-related conditions, such as lightning, floods, extreme storms, heat or winds or other acts of nature.
Food spoilage and other similar claims should be made promptly. Such claims are paid only if they are submitted and resolved within one year from the date of the incident.
Insurance companies will usually cover up to $500 of food that spoils from a power outage caused by a covered peril under standard homeowners insurance policies.
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for storm power outage: food spoilage in California, CA?
It depends on the specific facts. Responsible for losses due to its own negligence; not responsible for outages or damage caused by weather-related conditions outside its control.
Are there exceptions in California, CA?
PG&E says food spoilage and similar claims are paid only if submitted and resolved within one year from the date of the incident.
What is this based on for California, CA?
This verdict is sourced to File a Claim and 5 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- File a Claimofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- File a Claimofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Claims policy and processofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Claims policy and processofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Is food spoilage covered?official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
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