Monday | March 25, 2024
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Why is my power being turned off?

Planned power outages are necessary to improve the electric system. Most of the time, we can do this with no impact on you. Occasionally, we need to turn off power for your safety and the safety of our crews. We know being without power is inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience during these planned outages. We’ll turn the lights back on as soon as we can!

 

What types of projects may need a planned power outage?

  • • Capacity and reliability projects: making improvements that will increase electric reliability and decrease unplanned power outages for you and your neighbors in the future

  • • System growth/upgrades: building or expanding the electric system capacity to support future growth in your area and increase efficiency

  • • Maintenance work: making necessary maintenance or repairs to the electric system

  • • Public improvement: relocating a segment of our electric system to make way for a local public improvement project

  • • New Construction: connecting new customers to the electric system

 

How long will your power be out?

The length of time you’ll be without power depends on how long it takes our crews to complete their work. You’ll receive a planned power outage notification that indicates the approximate duration of your power outage and what hours during the day the outage is planned. Our crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to get your power back on.

 

How will you know if your outage is a planned outage or not?

We notify members in advance in multiple ways in order to give you time to prepare for a planned power outage. Our team works hard to provide notification of any planned outage up to seven days in advance. Unfortunately, we do have emergency maintenance that don’t allow such advance notification. Our team makes every effort to notify our members whenever possible, using the following:

  • • Phone calls

  • • Emails

  • • Text message (for members who have opted-in)

 

Your contact information

To help us inform you of upcoming planned power outages or any other service related notices, please make sure your email and phone number are current and up-to-date. You can verify your information is correct through the CEC online account portal.

 

What should you do to prepare for a planned outage?

Residential customers:

  • • If you rely on medical equipment that requires power, have a plan to maintain use of your equipment during the outage.

  • • Charge your cell phones. Cordless phones (for home phones) will not work during the power outage.

  • • Unplug computers, televisions and sensitive electronics.

  • • Notify your home security company.

  • • Know how to manually operate garage doors and electric gates.

  • • Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors during the outage.

  • • If you have a generator, make sure it has been installed properly following the manufacturer’s instructions for safe generator use. If used improperly it can cause hazards for the homeowner and any utility crews working nearby. For information on safe generator use, visit here. 

  • • Check to make sure all heat-producing appliances (stoves, toaster ovens, irons, hair curlers, air fryers) are turned off. This will minimize fire hazards if power is restored while you’re away.

  • • If electricity is required to run your water or to refill your toilet for flushing, have a reserve of water on hand prior to the planned outage.

  • • Never use a gas range, indoor cooker, charcoal or gas barbeque for heating.

 

Business Customers:

  • • Notify your employees and customers as needed.

  • • Notify your alarm and phone company, as these systems can be affected.

  • • Unplug any sensitive electronic equipment such as computers and testing instruments.

  • • Consider how the outage may impact after-hours support services such as janitorial services and deliveries.

  • • Plan for things like elevators not working.

  • • If you have a backup generator or are considering renting a generator, ensure it is installed correctly and notify the project manager.

  • • Once the power has been restored for about 10 minutes, turn your equipment back on in stages so that you don't overload the circuit.

  • • Consider time required for startup of specialized equipment.

 

Questions?

Contact our office: