Our Restoration Process
We work hard to provide you safe and reliable service.
On the rare occasions you lose power, check here for regular restoration updates and report outages online, text the word OUT to 64743, or call 1-800-465-1212.
Estimating the time of power restoration is not an exact science. Work volume, the cause of the outage, and the extent of the damage can all affect our time estimates. Storms can cause widespread damage to our entire distribution system. High-voltage transmission lines are given priority because they supply electricity to the entire system. Next, we focus on substations and local distribution lines that serve multiple locations. From there, individual power service can be restored.
Our Service Restoration Process
1. Assess damage and protect the public
We must ensure that all downed wires are made safe and roads are accessible to restoration crews. At this point we patrol damaged circuits to assess infrastructure changes.
2. Repair transmission lines
Under our priority system, repair crews typically first address problems with transmission lines and substations that serve large numbers of customers, and restore critical customers such as hospitals and public safety facilities, water treatment facilities, etc.
3. Repair substations
While problems with transmission lines are being resolved, crews also begin to work on substations and primary lines that serve many customers.
4. Repair distribution lines
Lines and transformers within neighborhoods and the wires that connect them to homes and businesses come next – starting with areas that involve the most customers.
5. Repair neighborhood tap lines
Crews then target secondary lines that serve local neighborhoods.
6. Connect individual customers
Under our priority system, repair crews typically first address problems with transmission lines and substations that serve large numbers of customers, and restore critical customers such as hospitals and public safety facilities, water treatment facilities, etc.
Your Estimated Restoration Time
For the most accurate estimate for your own restoration time, please sign into your account to check your estimated restoration time.
Please note the restoration estimates on our outage map reflects the time the last customer in your town is expected to be restored, so we recommend logging in instead for a more personalized estimate.
How We Restore Power
When a neighborhood power outage occurs, thousands of customers may be affected and restorations can be time consuming. Please keep in mind the steps we must follow when restoring power during largescale outages:
Emergency Contacts
You can report outages online or by texting the word OUT to 64743.
Or, call 1-800-465-1212 to report outages and downed wires.
If you have life-sustaining equipment in your home, call 1-800-322-3223.
For shelter information, call 211.
Stay Connected
To receive outage alerts by text, email, or phone calls, update your alert preference settings online or call us.
Utility Worker Safety Reminder:
State laws are in place to help protect utility workers while they are performing their job duties. Causing physical injury to, or assaulting, a utility worker is punishable by law, and penalties include potential jail time.