Our trucks are stocked. Our crews are ready. Our dispatch team monitors our system 24/7. In the event of a power outage, we’ll start working immediately to get your lights back on.
Report an Outage
Two different ways to report an outage:
Text “#out” to (866) 878-5514 using the mobile number on your account.
Call (866) 878-5514 to report the outage using our automated service.
Stages of an Outage
Learn what to do at each stage during an outage.
Preparing for an Outage
A number of circumstances can cause power interruptions, and damage from severe weather can cause outages that last for days. Making plans now can make riding out a prolonged power outage safer and more comfortable.
See more outage & storm preparedness tips.
Before An Outage
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices. Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. If you use your car to recharge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
Keep your car’s gas tank full – gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
Learn more about outage & storm preparedness.
During an Outage
Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall, or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing. Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system. See more generator safety tips.
After an Outage
Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
- If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it. If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer.
- Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medications having spoiled.
- Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods, and other supplies.
See additional outage & storm preparedness tips.
Outage Safety Tips
Outage Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to questions our members ask about our restoration efforts.
To report an outage, text or call (866) 878-5514.
Text
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. You only need to do this once per outage.
Text “#out” to 866-878-5514:
- This reports an outage to the Outage Management System.
- You will be asked which address has the outage.
- You will choose the address that has the outage.
- You will be sent a text that confirms you have reported your outage.
Once outage has been reported, you can then text #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.
Call
Call (866) 878-5514 and provide the following information:
- Physical address where outage has occurred.
- Primary phone number associated with the account.
- If neither the physical address nor primary phone number are available; please enter your SEC account number when prompted to provide information.
The outage restoration process begins at the point where electricity feeds into the Cooperative’s system. This could be at a substation, transmission line, or a main distribution line. After these repairs have been made, crews work on remaining outages, beginning with areas serving the greatest number of members and continuing until electricity is restored to all members.
If an outage occurs after-hours on a ‘blue sky’ day, SEC’s system operators must spring into action and notify on-call line personnel. These on-call line personnel must get the information, get ready, and drive to the outage locations. Once onsite, the line technician looks for the problem. When the problem is found, line personnel work to safely restore power.
As mentioned earlier, the safety of our personnel is paramount. Safe restoration of electricity requires line personnel to take steps to protect themselves when restoring power. Each step in the process from the member calling to report the outage to the moment power is restored
takes time. In major outage situations, we can have hundreds of outage locations to visit, exacerbating the estimated time to restore power systemwide.
Under normal circumstances, our outage map is a great tool to track the status of outages. But when there is a large amount of damage, it sometimes cannot keep up with the changes that are happening so quickly and frequently.
SEC’s main lines consist of three ‘phase’ wires. It is possible for one of these phases to be without power while the other two phases continue to provide electricity flow. It is also possible you are served by a tap line near the main line. In these cases, power can be interrupted to the tap line while the main line stays on. It is also possible your transformer has failed. If the tap is on and the transformer is not working, your power will be out while many or all of your neighbors’ power remains on.
As crews work to get additional lines on, it may cause power to dim or blink unexpectedly. These power surges can affect electronic equipment.
There are two simple ways to best protect your electronic equipment. The first is to unplug them during electrical storms or an outage. Lights can flicker on and off during the restoration process, so avoiding the outlet altogether ensures your equipment is not getting that jolt of electricity that is passing through
SEC suggests that all members are properly prepared before an outage ever takes place.
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices. Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.
- Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps
Learn more about outage and storm preparedness.
One of the easiest ways members can help SEC increase the reliability of our system is to report trees growing near power lines. While everyone appreciates the beauty and shade provided by trees, branches growing too close to overhead power lines can cause outages when they contact or fall on the lines, especially during severe weather such as high winds or ice storms. Learn more by visiting our vegetation management webpage.
SEC cannot guarantee you that the electricity at your account location will not be interrupted, nor can it assure you that the power outage will only be for a short period of time, especially due to things beyond our control, like storms and car/power pole accidents, that can disrupt the flow of electricity.
Members who depend on electrical equipment for medical necessity should always have alternate plans in place if the power goes out for an extended time. This may include a backup power source, extra medical supplies, or an alternate location until power is restored. Serious Medical Condition members can contact our Member Services Representatives at (800) 552-2118 for more information.