Outage Center | Consumers Energy (2024)

FAQs

How can I check if there's a power cut in my area? ›

Outages typically last 1-2 hours.

To shower when the power is out, your home needs a traditional tank-style water heater. If that water heater still has hot water in reserve, then you can take a warm shower. If you plan to take a shower, you need to do it soon after the power goes out.

If a utilities issue and you are in Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) territory (City of Los Angeles), visit LADWP.com Outage Information page or call 1(800) 342-5397.

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.

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.

Televisions, computer equipment, game consoles, fans, lights and all other smaller appliances should be unplugged, especially if they were in use when the power went out. Larger appliances, such as refrigerators, should not be unplugged.

Power Outages and Safe Drinking Water

When the power goes out, water purification systems may fail and water may not be available or it can become contaminated. Your local health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

Fill a clean bucket or basin with water, then add the soap and mix well. One item at a time, scrub the clothes against the surface of the water, making sure to clean all areas thoroughly. You can use a scrub brush or your hands to agitate the fabric, but be gentle with delicate fabrics.

How long will water stay hot in a water heater without power? ›

Your hot water heater can hold a significant amount of water, and with a power supply, can keep your water warm. But as soon as the power is out, you have about 1-2 hours before that water turns cold. The exception to this is a gas water heater.

All water heaters use electricity for some of their functions. Natural gas based water heaters generate their own electricity, but electricity-based water heaters must have the power supplied. No power means no hot water. If you have heated water in a tank, it may stay warm for a little while after the power goes out.

If you have a “corded” phone, then yes your landline telephone will work during a power outage. If you have a “cordless” phone, then it will not work, because a cordless phone requires electricity to transfer the signal from the base to the handset.

If you have a powercut or powercut problem in your area then just dial 1912. Tell the BESCOM provider that you have a power cut, you can either tell them about the area where powercut has happened or just give your consumer ID. They will create a docket and the electrician will come and fix the issue ASAP.

I wanted to inform you that a power outage has occurred in my area, significantly affecting my ability to work remotely today.

Planned power cuts and how they work

Each planned power outage is likely to last around three hours, and in emergency cases, this could be longer. You'll be contacted before it's planned, with the details of the time when the power will be cut.

The electrical charge goes through high-voltage transmission lines that stretch across the country. It reaches a substation, where the voltage is lowered so it can be sent on smaller power lines. It travels through distribution lines to your neighborhood.

Backup Generator

A backup generator kicks in when the power goes out to keep your important appliances operating. It is the most reliable alternative heat source, and when properly installed and used, is also one of the safest. Invest in an energy-efficient generator for a longer run time.