Molly Ayala
Power outages can be stressful and dangerous, especially during extreme weather events or for those with medical conditions. It is important to be able to check when power will be restored and to be able to report an outage. Many power companies provide maps and online tools to help customers stay informed and report outages. It is also possible to call power companies to report an outage and ask for an estimated time of restoration (ETR).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to check for updates on power restoration | Check the Outage Map, call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or log in to MyAccount |
| How to report an outage | Call 888.313.4747, text OUT to 66267 (ONCOR), or enroll in the My Oncor Alerts program |
| How to prepare for an outage | Stay in Public Cooling Centers with air-conditioned facilities |
| Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) | Typically ranges from two to eight hours |
| Global ETR | Estimated restoration time for all power in the service territory, provided within 24 hours after a major weather event |
| Individual ETR | More accurate ETRs provided within 48-96 hours for outages expected to last up to ten days or longer |
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What You'll Learn
How to report a power outage
Power outages can be stressful and dangerous, especially if they last for a long period. It is always a good idea to be prepared for a power outage, whether it is due to maintenance or unexpected reasons. Here are some steps you can take to report a power outage and stay informed:
Check for Outage Status
Before reporting a power outage, it is a good idea to check if the issue is already known. Some power companies provide online tools or maps to check for current or scheduled outages in your area. You may also receive notifications or alerts about outages, which can help you stay informed.
Report the Power Outage
If you cannot find any information about the power outage affecting you, it's time to make a report. You can do this by contacting your local power company or energy provider. Many companies offer multiple ways to report an outage, such as online reporting tools, phone calls to a dedicated number, or text messages.
Stay Informed with Alerts
To stay updated on the status of the power outage and its restoration, consider signing up for alerts. Some power companies offer text, email, or voice call alerts that provide proactive notifications and updates. This can help you know when to expect the power to come back on and plan accordingly.
Take Necessary Precautions
While waiting for the power to be restored, it is important to take any necessary precautions to stay safe, especially if the outage is due to severe weather or other hazardous conditions. For example, during a heatwave, you can take advantage of safe, air-conditioned facilities provided by Public Cooling Centers.
Contact Information for Common Power Companies
- Oncor: You can report an outage to Oncor by using their online reporting tool, calling 888.313.4747, or texting OUT to 66267 (ONCOR) if you have signed up for My Oncor Alerts.
- Southern California Edison (SCE): SCE provides a phone number, 1-800-611-1911, to call if you are unable to find information about an outage online.
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How to check the status of a power outage
If you are experiencing a power outage, it is important to check its status to understand when electricity will be restored. Here are some ways to check the status of a power outage:
Online Outage Maps
Some power companies provide online outage maps that allow customers to view current outages in their area. These maps are typically updated regularly, providing a quick way to check if an outage is already known and being addressed.
PowerOutage.us
PowerOutage.us is a website that tracks, records, and aggregates power outages across the United States. You can check your state or a specific location on the website to find detailed information about power outages in that area.
Contact Your Power Company
Contacting your power company directly is another effective way to check the status of a power outage. Many power companies have secure websites or mobile apps that allow customers to log in and view personalized information about their service, including any reported or ongoing outages.
Additionally, power companies often provide phone numbers or text services that you can use to report an outage and potentially receive updates on the restoration process.
Social Media
During significant storms or widespread outages, power companies may also provide updates on their social media accounts. Following their social media pages or checking for recent posts can provide information on the scope and expected duration of the outage.
Critical Care Services
If anyone in your household depends on electrically operated life-support equipment, it is crucial to contact your power company and register for critical care services. This ensures that the power company is aware of your situation, and they may provide priority support or additional assistance during an outage.
By utilizing these methods, you can proactively check the status of a power outage and stay informed about the expected timeline for electricity restoration.
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Estimated time of power restoration
When the power goes out, restoration teams swing into action to evaluate the damage and determine how to restore power quickly and safely. It is important to report your outage, either by phone or online, so that the power company is aware of the issue.
Once you have reported an outage, you will receive a system-generated Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) based on historical outage data. These estimates typically range from two to eight hours. As more information becomes available, the ETR may be updated.
After a major weather event, such as a severe storm, hurricane, or blizzard, a Global ETR will be provided within 24 hours after the weather event ends. However, damage assessments may not be complete at this stage, so the Global ETR could change. The Global ETR may be longer than the typical two to eight hours.
After the damage assessment is complete, more accurate Individual ETRs will be issued. These ETRs will be provided within 48 hours for outages that are expected to last up to seven days, within 72 hours for outages expected to last eight to ten days, and within 96 hours for outages expected to last ten days or longer.
It is always a good idea to be prepared for a power outage, whether it is a scheduled maintenance outage or an unexpected outage due to an accident or severe weather.
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How to prepare for a power outage
Power outages can be unpredictable and vary in duration, so it's always good to be prepared. Here are some ways to get ready for a potential power outage:
Prepare an emergency kit
Make sure you have torches, spare batteries, and flashlights for every household member. Avoid using candles or naked flames as they can pose a fire hazard. Keep a first aid kit handy and ensure any essential medical equipment has battery backups. Additionally, keep enough non-perishable food and water for everyone, including pets, to last several days.
Protect your appliances and food
Switch off all electrical appliances that are not designed to run unattended, such as cookers, grills, and hair straighteners, to prevent them from turning on unexpectedly when the power returns. Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain the temperature inside. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that a closed fridge will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage, while a full freezer will maintain a safe temperature for about 48 hours.
Stay informed and connected
Enroll in alert programs like My Oncor Alerts to stay informed about outages and receive updates. Determine whether your home phone will work during a power outage and how long the battery backup will last. Keep your vehicles' fuel tanks at least half full, as many service stations cannot pump fuel during a power failure.
Plan for alternative power sources
If you have a generator, ensure it is properly installed by a licensed electrician and only use it outdoors, away from windows and well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of your home.
Keep important items accessible
Place essential items like blankets, thick clothes, and torches in easily accessible locations so that you and your family can quickly find them during a power outage.
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How to restore power after a storm
Storms can cause power outages for a variety of reasons, including fallen trees, damaged power lines, and issues with transformers and substations. Restoring power after a storm can be a complex and time-consuming process, but there are several steps that can be taken to expedite the process and ensure safety. Here is a guide on how to restore power safely and efficiently after a storm:
Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Outage
First, it is important to identify the cause of the power outage. Check your main electric panel to see if a breaker has been tripped. Fuses and breakers protect circuits from overheating and causing fires or damaging devices. If you suspect a local issue, such as a fallen tree or damaged power line near your home, contact your utility company or electric cooperative to report the issue.
Step 2: Prioritize Safety
Ensure the safety of your family members, especially infants, toddlers, older people, and those with medical conditions. Gather in a comfortable part of your home, such as a basement during summer or an inside room in winter, to protect from extreme temperatures and drafts. Dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and be cautious with food to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Step 3: Protect Your Appliances and Perishables
Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges. Protect your perishable food by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Consume refrigerated food within 4 hours or pack items with ice in a cooler to maintain safe temperatures.
Step 4: Check Local Distribution Substations
If the power outage is more widespread, the issue may lie with the local distribution substations. These substations are typically checked first by the utility company or electric cooperative. If the problem can be corrected at this level, power may be restored to a large number of people.
Step 5: Inspect Main Distribution Supply Lines
If the issue cannot be isolated at the substation level, the next step is to check the main distribution supply lines. These lines carry electricity away from the substation to towns or housing developments. Inspecting and repairing these lines can restore power to all consumers served by the supply line, as long as there are no issues farther down the line.
Step 6: Final Supply Lines and Individual Connections
The final step is to check the tap lines, which are the final supply lines that carry power to utility poles or underground transformers outside individual houses or buildings. Sometimes, damage may occur on the service line between your house and the transformer, affecting your power supply while your neighbors remain unaffected. Report any issues on your service line to the cooperative office so they can send a crew to repair it.
Restoring power after a storm requires a systematic approach, prioritizing safety and addressing the issues step by step, from the transmission towers and substations down to individual supply lines and connections. By following these steps and working together with your utility company or electric cooperative, power can be safely and efficiently restored to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible.
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Frequently asked questions
You can report a power outage by calling your energy provider or using their online reporting tool.
You can stay informed by enrolling in alert programs provided by your energy provider, such as text or email notifications.
When you report an outage, your energy provider will give you an Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) based on historical data, which is typically between two to eight hours.
You should refer to your energy provider's website for safety tips and information on how to prepare for power outages. Public Cooling Centers are also available to provide safe, air-conditioned facilities during heatwaves.
Power outages can occur due to maintenance, traffic accidents, or severe weather conditions. Your energy provider's website or customer support can provide more specific information about the cause of an outage.
