The crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Franklin Road and Highway 140.
Merced CHP officers say a pickup truck was heading south on Franklin when the driver made an unsafe turn onto the shoulder.
The driver hit a wooden power pole and downed power lines in the area.
The man driving the pickup died at the scene and officers say he was not wearing a seat belt.
Alcohol containers were found in the vehicle and are believed to be a factor in the crash.
Power was out for several hours but has since been restored.