Outage Tips

The mast will either be on your roof, or on the side of your home. If your mast has been damaged during a storm, you will need to contact an electrician for repairs before we can reconnect your service. It is possible that we may be able to provide you a temporary connection until your electrician can come out to fix it. For a temporary connection, your city may require an inspection. For more information on mast damage, head to our Mast Damage page.

Where to Get Your Estimated Restoration Time

You can receive your estimated restoration time (ERT) three different ways:

1. With Proactive Notifications
2. On the Outage Map
3. Via Check Outage Status

How Estimated Restoration Times are Set

An ERT is the amount of time we expect it will take to restore your power after an outage. Storm ERTs are based on conditions and damage to our infrastructure. Planned and unexpected outages rely on historical data for ERTs. Get more information on ERTs here.

How Your Power is Restored

When your power goes out, our crews will be working 24/7 to get the power back on. Power is restored to the most critical areas are first, like hospitals. Our crews then restore power in order of getting the most customers back on the fastest.

Notifications

Stay up-to-date on the status of your outage by signing up for outage notifications. When you sign up for notifications, you will receive updates as changes happen. You can sign up for notifications or update your notifications by logging into My Account or by using our quick notification sign up.

Mobile App

You can easily report your outage and view and search outage information with the mobile app.

Social Media

During large outages, we provide updates on social media. Get connected.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. For that reason, it is important to maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures throughout an outage. Visit our Outage Safety page to learn more about what you can do during an outage.

It is crucial that you take proper safety measures during an outage. Please take the following precautions when your power is out:

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 800-895-1999. Never approach a downed power line. Always assume that they are energized and extremely dangerous. Touching a live line or anything near it, such as a fence, puddle, car, etc., can cause electrocution. This could result in serious injury and even death.

If a power line has fallen onto a vehicle, stay away and seek help right away by calling 911. If you are in the vehicle, wait inside the vehicle until help arrives. You are safe from electrical shock as long as you stay inside the vehicle. If you must leave the vehicle due to fire or other life-threatening reasons, leap clear of the vehicle, landing with both feet together. Don't hold the door while leaping and once on the ground, hop or shuffle away – do not run.

Use Caution with Appliances

Turn off appliances and other electrical equipment, including air conditioning, to avoid a high load on the system once electricity is restored. Leave one light switch turned, on so you’ll know when power has been restored.

If you need to cook during an outage, use a properly vented fireplace, a camp stove, or a can of Sterno. Be sure that there is adequate ventilation and never use charcoal indoors. If you have a natural gas stove or oven without an electric ignition, you can use that as well.

Keep Elderly and Other Susceptible People Safe

If you are someone who uses electrically powered life support equipment, you may need to seek medical assistance or relocate to a location with electricity. In any emergency, always dial 911.

If your outage occurs during hot, summer months, the elderly or those susceptible to the effects of extreme heat should go to an alternate location to stay cool.