Power issues at Fresno-area Walmart force store to operate on two generators
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Walmart closed for hours after switch-gear failure; store reopened same day.
- Walmart runs on two rotated generators; permanent fix may take about three months.
- City, PG&E and Walmart coordinate engineers, permits and daily updates; no hazards.
The Walmart in Sanger was closed for several hours on Nov. 17 after a power outage that left the store inoperable.
Store officials temporarily shut the doors and informed customers via social media. The store reopened later that same day.
Sanger City Manager Nathan Olson said the outage was caused by a failure in the store’s electrical switch gears, which became burnt and could not be repaired.
The exact cause of the power shutdown remains unknown.
“Unfortunately, some of the switch gears that were over there failed and got burnt up,” Olson said.
To keep the store operating, Walmart is using two approved generators, rotating their use as needed.
Olson said the equipment needed for a temporary fix is not immediately available. He estimates it could take three months to get the store off generator power.
“I’m working with PG&E, who came in with an engineer to give us a temporary solution,” Olson said. “Now I’m working with Walmart on that, to get everything they need for permit permission so they can get the ball rolling on a temporary source so they can get off the generators.”
Walmart is in regular contact with both the city and environmental officials.
Olson confirmed there are no environmental hazards arising from the use of the generators.
District 4 Councilmember Michael Montelongo, whose district includes the Walmart store, praised the ongoing collaboration between the city and Walmart and expressed appreciation for the store’s presence in Sanger.
Walmart plans to purchase new equipment to restore full power to the store.
The company said it will continue to give updates to city officials on repair progress.
This story was originally published November 29, 2025 at 9:30 AM.
