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Reporting An Outage

Reporting an Outage

We wanted to let our members know that the most efficient way to report an outage is through TextPower. You are already signed up if your mobile phone number is on your account. If you have a new number, please register that number by calling Member Services at 1-800-552-2118, M-F, 8-5 p.m.

When you experience an outage, text “#out” to 866-878-5514. You only need to do this once per outage.

#out

  1. This reports an outage to the Outage Management System.
  2. You will be asked which address has the outage.
  3. You will choose the address that has the outage.
  4. You will be sent a text that confirms you have reported your outage.

#status

To get an update with a possible restoration time, text “#status”. Once a crew is assigned, SEC lineworkers will locate the issue and give a more accurate estimate for restoration. Please know that major outages due to a storm can cause a delay in estimated restoration times.

If your power has been restored, texting “#status” will show that information.
 

Other Tools:

#help

  1. You will receive a text that states Southside Electric Cooperative provides automated outage notifications and more information is available at 1-800-552-2118.

#quit

  1. This will opt out your mobile number from TextPower.

#member

  1. This will opt your mobile number back into TextPower

Call: 866-878-5514

 

What information do I need when calling?
 

  1. Physical address where outage has occurred.
     
  2. Primary phone number associated with the account. 
     
  3. Follow the prompts and enter all necessary information
     
  4. If neither the physical address nor primary phone number are available; please enter your SEC account number. 
    ​

Report any other relevant information, such as:
 

  1. "A wire is down" or "there’s a tree on the line"
     
  2. Any loud noises heard

Outage Texting Tutorial

Safety Tips During an Outage


PL

Never go near downed power lines. 

- A downed power line can still be energized and can cause other things around it to become potentially hazardous. A fence or guardrail touching a downed line can be energized for several thousand yards and it poses a threat to anyone coming into contact with it.
- Stay away from puddles of water that could be in contact with downed lines. Encountering these can be as hazardous as coming into contact with the downed power line itself.
- If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and call 911.
- Also when driving, be careful at intersections where traffic lights may be out. Stop at all railroad crossings and treat road intersections with traffic signals as four-way stops before proceeding with caution.

 

 

cold

 

  • Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
    • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways. 
    • Sand to improve traction.
    • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
    • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
    • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
  • Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when a storm hits, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
  • Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
    • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
    • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
    • ​Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
  • Stay indoors.
    • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways. 
    • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
    • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
  • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
    • Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
    • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
    • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. 
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

Generator

When using your generator, keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Read all safety instructions.
  • When a generator is not properly installed, it can "backfeed" through the transformer. As a result, a line crew working on the system would be put in danger.
  • Isolate your generator from the co-op's power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
  • If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a transfer, double-throw switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
  • Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
  • Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.