Outage Preparation
PEC members enjoy some of the safest and most reliable electric service in the country, but temporary interruptions in service do still occur, even on sunny days.
Inclement weather, animals, vehicle accidents, and equipment malfunctions are the leading causes of PEC’s power outages, but with these outage tips, you won’t be left in the dark during interruptions.
How you can stay safe and prepared
- Always report your outage. Here are the quick and easy ways to report:
- Log in to your account and report online.
- Download PEC’s SmartHub mobile app and have the power to report and track outages at your fingertips 24/7.
- Call 888-883-3379.
- Text the word “outage” to 25022 from the number associated with your account (message and data rates may apply).
Outages will be reported and updated on our outage map. You can follow restoration efforts here.
It’s important to stay prepared for possible outages. Be sure you have these items prepared in an outage kit:
- A flashlight
- One gallon of water per person
- A hand-crank radio
- A tool box
- Batteries
- Blankets
- Cash
- First-aid supplies
- Nonperishable food items
- A manual can opener
Also, be sure to think about the food in your refrigerator. See our food safety guide to be sure your food stays safe and fresh during and after significant outages.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure you and your home are safe during an outage.
- Before reporting your outage to PEC, remember to check your home breakers, as you may be able to get the power back on yourself. Learn how to do so here.
- Remember to turn off all electronics to avoid power surges.
- If you need to stay warm, remember to layer up. Electric blankets can also help, but do not fall asleep with them.
- If you are trying to stay cool, dress in loose and lightweight clothes and use handheld fans. Drink water and sports drinks to stay hydrated.
- If the power is out in your neighborhood and you have neighbors who need a little extra assistance, remember to check on them. Learn how you can help out in the heat here.
How we stay safe and prepared
PEC’s Distribution Operations Center closely monitors our electric grid 24/7, working quickly with crews to restore power.
These employees see every power fluctuation in every line and breaker in PEC’s system and take action — making calls, contacting crews, and remotely operating electrical equipment — to make sure your power is as reliable as possible and that everyone working the system stays safe.
The job of our lineworkers is never done. From restoration efforts after a severe storm to constantly working to maintain our equipment and ensuring our system stays reliable, our crews are always working to keep your lights on.
When an outage occurs, PEC’s lineworkers drop what they’re doing and immediately head to the reported location to identify the problem and restore your power.
PEC crews are performing maintenance on our system every day in a variety of ways. Whether it’s vegetation maintenance, testing and treating our power poles, working in our substations, or inspecting our lines with unmanned aerial vehicles, we are always working to ensure our system is reliable.
Add your mobile number to your PEC account, and you’ll be able to report outages and receive updates by text.
Please notify PEC before installing a generator.
If continuous electric service is required for health or safety reasons, enroll in our Medical Necessity Program.
