Power Outage • Probleme melden. Schützen Sie Ihre Gemeinschaft. • Safely HQ (2024)

FAQs

How do I check if there's a power outage in my area? ›

The outage map also includes detailed information about specific outages, such as the cause and estimated time of restoration. Alternatively, you can also call their customer service number at 1-800-DIAL DWP (800-342-5397) to find out if there is an existing power outage in your area.

In the last 20 years, Florida has had the most people per capita impacted by power outages — more than 900,000. In 2022, California accounted for 24% of all U.S. power outages, and Texas accounted for 14%.

1. Appliance and Electronic Equipment Damage. While a complete power outage itself may not cause much harm to appliances and electronic equipment, the surge of electricity accompanying power restoration can cause severe damage. It's important to unplug everything when the power fails.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

Use a receptacle voltage tester by plugging the device into the outlet. The lights on the device will come on to indicate the presence of a live electrical current. Test an electrical outlet with a non-contact voltage tester by holding the tester about an inch away from the short slot on the outlet.

If your power is out, call your local utility

The first thing on the list of what to do when the power goes out is to report a power outage to your utility company.

Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored. Wait a few minutes before turning on these appliances when the electricity is restored.

Depending on the amount of water remaining in the pipes, you might be able to flush your toilet several times while the power is out. Eventually, however, your tank won't fill up anymore because the pumps are down. When this happens, you will need to flush your toilet manually by pouring in a bucket of water.

What states are at high risk for blackouts? States at high risk for blackouts include Maine, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, all of which experience frequent severe weather events. Which state has the least power outages? Washington D.C. has the least power outages, with an average of 0.47 outages per year.

What is the most likely cause of a power outage? ›

Severe weather and storms

The biggest cause of power outages is weather. In fact, 83% of power outages are weather related. Severe weather can take several forms: Wind, such as derechos, hurricanes and tornadoes, can blow down power lines.

Number of major blackouts by select state in the United States 2000-2023. Between 2000 and 2023, Texas was the leading U.S. state for major power outages, with almost 264 blackouts in the 23-year period. California followed, with 238 major power outages throughout the period under consideration.

Sometimes the fault does not clear and the breaker trips again. After a delay, it will close again to restore power. If the fault does not clear after two or three tries, the breaker will remain open and the power company will send a crew out to fix the problem.

In most cases, power is restored within a few hours, but it's crucial to be prepared for longer periods of losing power, especially during major incidents or natural disasters.

The terms are more or less synonymous, although in general an interruption is short (up to a few seconds), and an outage long.

To effectively check your power supply, you will need a few essential tools. The primary tool is a multimeter, which measures voltage, current, and resistance. A digital multimeter is preferred for its accuracy and ease of use.

You can report a power outage or check the status of a previously reported power outage via our online reporting tool. You can also call us at 888.313. 4747. If you have signed up for My Oncor Alerts, text OUT to 66267 (ONCOR).

Step 1: Go to PG&E Outage Center to search for an address. Step 2: If an outage is affecting the address, you will see the option to "Get outage updates." Click this link. Step 3: Enter the phone or email where you would like to get alerts.