Power outages can occur unexpectedly, disrupting daily life and posing significant challenges to residents and industrial complexes. Learning how to check the status of a power outage, identifying its causes, and knowing how to stay during such events are crucial for everyone's safety. There are different ways to check the status of power outages, and by exploring different ideas, one can effectively manage power outages at their ZIP codes.
If you live in an area that frequently faces power outages, which has made it difficult for you to get a sense of normalcy in your life, then check out Jackery Solar Generators. Unlike old generators that run on fumes and are extremely heavy to lift, these solar generators from Jackery are eco-friendly and can power up to 99% of your household appliances.
In this detailed article, to understand the power outage, you will learn the reasons behind sudden power outages in your area and how you check if there are such outages. Moreover, you can also learn easy DIY tips to prepare for a power outage so you can reduce its impact and safeguard your home.
How to Check the Status of Power Outage?
In the United States, several methods and tools are available to check the status of power outages. Almost all the major states have provided an outage map, which provides information on all outage events, ongoing or scheduled, affecting the service territories.
Here are the most common ways to check the status of power outages:
Utility Company Website
Most utility companies in the United States offer real-time updates on their website and mobile apps about the ongoing or forthcoming power outages in their serviceable area. On your utility's official website, you can check out the detailed outage maps, learn about the estimated restoration time, and even understand the cause behind the outage. This way, you can make informed decisions and make emergency changes in your household.
Outage Maps
Outage maps provide real-time updates on the extent of outages in specific areas. By simply checking online or going to the outage map of your state, you can zoom in on your locality or country to get detailed information. Most outage maps are updated hourly and even include the information of utility providers.
Automated Alerts
Due to frequent power outages in most states, utility providers have now started providing automated alerts via SMS or emails to notify their customers about scheduled outages in their areas. In the automated alerts, these utility companies also add restoration updates to give an idea about when the power will be back.
Customer Service Hotlines
If you face sudden power outages, you can contact utility companies by calling their customer service hotlines. The expert executives can help you understand the power outage, its causes, and when they can expect it to return to its full capacity.
Power Outage Status
Power outage statuses typically include information about the location, the number of affected customers, the cause of the outage, and the estimated time for restoration from the utility's side. This detailed information helps residents understand the scope of the outage and make necessary arrangements.
In states like Ohio, New York, Texas, and California, there are different ways to check power outage status or power outage maps, like:
Ohio Power Outage
In Ohio, residents can check power outage statuses by going through the websites and apps of major utility companies like AEP Ohio and FirstEnergy. AEP Ohio offers an Outage Map where users can view the number of outages, affected areas, and estimated restoration times. Similarly to AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy also provides a similar Outage Map with detailed information.
For AEP Ohio, you can check their outage status page. Log into your account using your login credentials to learn about the power outage and its status. You can also add the 5- or 9-digit ZIP code to get real-time updates on your neighborhood.
Who to Contact: If your service provider is AEP Ohio, you can call their customer support at 1-800-672-2231. For FirstEnergy, the contact number is 1-888-544-4877.
New York Power Outage
In New York, Con Edison and National Grid are the primary utility companies, and both of them have their own outage maps. On Con Edison's outage map, you can find information about current outages and number of customers who are out of service. Additionally, you can even zoom in on the provided map and check the real-time update of your neighborhood.
Similarly, National Grid offers a detailed outage map for New York and nearby places to check the latest updates.
Who to Contact: Con Edison customers can call 1-800-752-6633, while National Grid customers can get in touch with the customer support team at 1-800-867-5222.
Texas Power Outage
Residents from the Lone Star State can check power outage statuses through Oncor and CenterPoint Energy. Oncor's Storm Center provides a comprehensive outage map where you get real-time weather updates and can also report an outage in your affected area. CenterPoint Energy also offers an Outage Tracker for up-to-date information. This outage tracker also includes recent restoration news and storm center updates.
Who to Contact: If you are an Oncor customer and facing any issues due to frequent lightning or wind gusts, you can also send an outage text OUT to 66267 or use the MyOcor app to report an outage in your area. Oncor customers can also call 1-888-313-4747 to report an outage.
California Power Outage
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) provide detailed outage maps and information to their customers in California.
The PGE's outage map also helps you check the power outage status by ZIP code. You can add the entire address and get real-time information. The SCE's outage status page helps you get a direct alert, report an outage, and get real-time information on current and scheduled outages and the number of customers that might be impacted.
Who to Contact: PG&E customers can call 1-800-743-5000. SCE customers can reach their support at 1-800-611-1911.
What Causes A Power Outage?
Before understanding the factors that cause a power outage, it is necessary to get acquainted with different forms of power outages. By understanding different types of power disruptions, residents can better prepare and respond to varying situations.
Brownout
A brownout is a temporary reduction in the electrical power supply from the utility provider. During a brownout, the voltage drops below the normal level but does not fall completely to zero. When a brownout happens, you will notice that the lights have suddenly gone dim. At the same time, it may affect the performance of electrical appliances like air conditioners, ceiling fans, televisions, etc.
Most utility companies implement brownouts to reduce the load on the electrical grid during periods of high demand, preventing a total blackout. They can also occur due to issues in the power grid.
Blackout
Contrary to a brownout, where there is some electricity but not enough to take the load of heavy appliances, a blackout is a complete loss of electrical power in a specific area. These complete power outages can be caused by several factors, including severe weather, equipment failure, grid overload, etc.
Most blackouts last from a few minutes to several days. For instance, the heavy rain and wind gusts in March 2023 affected more than 200,000 PG&E customers.
Rolling Outage
In most cases, utility providers create alerts for the planned blackouts. These controlled and temporary power outages are called rolling outages. These are initiated by the utility companies in order to manage the supply and demand of electricity in some areas. During a rolling outage, different areas are systematically cut off from the power supply for short periods. This practice helps to prevent widespread blackouts, helping the residents to plan accordingly.
Causes of Power Outages in the US
Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are controlled by utility providers, but in most cases, they are caused by severe environmental conditions.
Severe Weather
When it comes to natural causes, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and blizzards are among the most common weather-related causes of power outages in different states in the US. At the same time, high winds can also knock down power lines and poles. Whereas, heavy rain can cause flooding that damages the entire electrical infrastructure. Similarly to this, accumulated snow or ice can also cause power lines to snap.
For instance, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused widespread power outages across the Eastern United States. According to the US Department of Energy, over 6 million customers were left without power in 15 states. In New Jersey alone, 2.04 million people were left without power. While in New York, there were 1.9 million people and Pennsylvania had over 850,000 such residents.
Wildlife Inference
It might be hard to believe that small animals like squirrels and sometimes birds can also cause power outages. When these animals or birds come into contact with electrical equipment, they either chew the power lines or create debris on them, which leads to short circuits and power failures.
A similar case was noted in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015 when a squirrel caused a major power outage that nearly affected 45,000 customers.
Equipment Failure
Most utility providers are still operating under aging infrastructure. In most cases, mechanical failures can lead to power outages. For instance, certain components like transformers, switches, and power lines need periodic maintenance and replacement. If power companies fail to do it, it leads to unexpected breakdowns.
For instance, in 2003, the northeastern United States and Canada faced one of the largest blackouts in history. The blackout was triggered by a software bug in FirstEnergy's alarm system, which led to a cascading failure that affected more than 50 million people.
How Do I Check If The Power Is Out In My Area?
When the power goes out, it is essential to determine whether the outage is localized to your home or your entire neighborhood is affected. In both cases, there are a few common practical steps and tips to check if the power is out in your area, like:
Inspect Your Home
Always begin the process of power outage status by checking your home. Go to different rooms or areas and see if the outage is affecting the entire house or whether some parts are facing some power fluctuations. Sometimes, circuit breakers can trip, causing power loss to specific areas and if you can locate a circuit breaker panel, then first check if any of the switches there are in the "off" position. If you find a tripped breaker, you can flip it back to the "on" position.
Check Surroundings
Even after checking the house and the circuit breaker panel, if you are still facing a power outage, then start observing your immediate surroundings. Try getting in touch with your neighbors who have similar utility providers and enquire about their current status. If they are also facing a similar issue, you can wait for an update or restoration alerts from the providers.
Utilize Utility Company Resources
Most utility companies provide extensive guides on their websites or mobile applications about current or forthcoming power outages. You can check out your service provider's outage maps and zoom into your neighborhood to get real-time updates on any ongoing outages.
Sign Up For Alerts
You can further turn on notifications from the service providers to get notified via SMS, emails, or phone calls. These emergency alerts will inform you of outages and provide you real-time updates about when you can expect the power to be restored.
Furthermore, if you are not at home and wish to understand the current power outage status, then there are certain easy hacks and tips that you can follow. For instance:
Company App: Download your service provider's mobile app and enter your ZIP code to learn about the current outage status.
Outage Map: Visit the service provider's website to quickly check the interactive outage maps and get the latest information on affected areas and estimated restoration times.
Contact Neighbors: If you have your neighbors' contact details, you can call them to get firsthand information about the power status in your area.
Home Security System: Modern security systems can send you a quick alert or notification when they face a brownout or a complete blackout.
How to Prepare For a Power Outage?
If you live in an area that faces frequent floods or other natural calamities, it is highly recommended to get prepared for power-related emergencies. Preparing for a power outage involves taking several proactive steps to ensure safety, minimize inconvenience, and maintain communication. At the same time, you should have proper measures in place that would help check the status of power outages and navigate you and your family during extensive blackouts.
Here are simple steps that you need to consider while preparing for a power outage:
Create An Emergency Kit
The first step that you need to do is to create an emergency kit that will help you survive a power outage comfortably and safely. In your kit, you can include different items based on your location, frequency of the power outage, and the overall duration of the power outage as stated by your service provider. Some common items are:
Portable Power Station: Carry a Jackery Portable Power Station to charge your appliances on the go.
Two-Way Radio: In order to stay updated on the news and emergency information, carry a battery-powered radio.
First-Aid Supply: Based on the number of family members and the duration of the power outage, carry a first aid supply. Add bandages, antiseptics, medications, and other important items.
Cash: During power outages, your nearest ATMs or card readers might not be operational. So, try carrying some cash that can help you during an emergency.
Backup Power Solution
Do not rely only on your grid supplier to provide you electricity. If there are going to be long-stretched power outages, it is highly recommended to get Jackery Solar Generators. These solar generators can provide temporary power for essential appliances and reduce your monthly electricity bills.
With Jackery Solar Generators, you can charge 99% of household appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, smartphones, CPAP machines, sump pumps, and electric grills.
Prepare Your Home
Always learn from past predictions and service provider's alerts and make sure that you have everything ready at your residence. For instance:
Surge Protectors: When the electricity is restored, you can buy surge protectors to protect sensitive electronics, such as smartphones and laptops, from power surges.
Insulate Your Home: Ensure you have proper insulation at your residence to maintain the indoor temperature.
Get Latest Updates
Always be informed about your service providers' latest weather and potential power-related updates. You can sign up for weather alerts by downloading different mobile applications. This way, you will be prepared for the severe weather conditions that might cause sudden power outages.
Additionally, you can also subscribe to your electricity provider to stay informed about the company's outage alerts and updates.
Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages
Jackery is an internationally renowned brand that manufactures solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Since its inception, the brand has sold more than 4 million units, making it one of the most sought-after brands for those who prefer an eco-friendly way to deal with extended power outages.
Jackery Solar Generators and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels ensure that you get eco-friendly sun energy when it is needed. The solar panels come with a monocrystalline silicon solar cell that absorbs the sun's energy and stores it, later transferring it to Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations. With the help of a built-in pure sine wave inverter, the harnessed energy is converted into AC electricity and helps you power and charge your appliances.
Here are a few common household appliances that you can power up with a Jackery Solar Generator:
|
Household Appliances |
Rated Watts |
Starting Watts |
|
Dishwasher |
1300W |
1800W |
|
Refrigerator |
800W |
2300W |
|
Microwave |
800W |
- |
|
Vacuum Cleaner |
1400W |
2500W |
|
Coffee Maker |
1000W |
- |
|
Portable Fan |
200W |
350W |
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a powerful battery backup solution ideal for those who live completely off-grid or face regular power outages. This generator features a large-capacity battery that can easily power up household and outdoor appliances. With a fast charging time and industry-leading solar conversion efficiency, this unit can support 99% of your appliances.
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has wheels and large handles, which make it easier for residents to move it from one room to the other.
Appliances Working Hours
- Leaf Blower (2500W): 1.02H
- Dishwasher (1800W): 1.42H
- Air Fryer (1500W): 1.71H
- Coffee Maker (1000W): 2.57H
- Gaming PC (600W): 4.28H
- Kitchen Fan (200W): 12.85H
Customer Review
"I want to prepare for hurricane season; I was not ready to pay $15K for a generator and installation. The Jackery 3000 Pro with solar panels meets our needs and is a lot more economical, easy to use, and convenient to store." -- Mark Zais.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If your area faces frequent power outages and you are looking for a solar generator that powers up your household appliances and comes with an extended standby mode, go ahead with Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. This solar generator can last up to 2 years on standby and still hold 50% of the charge.
What is amazing about Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is its ability to offer cost-effective, fume-free, and whisper-quiet operations, which is ideal for residents who wish to enjoy solar energy without affecting their neighbors.
Appliances Working Hours
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1700W): 1.02H
- Air Fryer (1500W): 1.15H
- Microwave (1050W): 1.65H
- Coffee Maker (1000W): 1.73H
- Gaming PC (600W): 2.89H
- Kitchen Fan (200W): 8.68H
Customer Review
"Purchased for home backup, but I also take these out with me on long camping trips. It will easily power whatever you plug in it, and the 30 amp RV plug is a nice addition." -- Chris.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
If you are looking for a charging solution that can charge 99% of your household appliances for long hours, you may consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh). Its ergonomic design, foldable handle, and double wheels make the power station more portable. If you often face extended power outages in your area and need a reliable solar generator that keeps everything charged, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is worth a try.
Appliances Working Hours
- Electric Grill (1800W): 1.9H
- Air Conditioner (1500W): 2.3H
- Microwave (1300W): 2.6H
- Mixer Grinder (600W): 5.7H
- Kitchen Fan (200W): 17.3H
Customer Review
"This is absolutely a great addition to the 2000 Plus. I mainly have this for power outages, but I will use this on the occasional camping trip." -- Mark Watkins.
How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage
During the power outage, the first thing that you need to ensure is to stay calm. If there is a sudden power outage at night, then it is recommended to walk slowly in the house to ensure you do not hit any furniture or other parts. Additionally, there are certain other measures that you can take to ensure safety and maintain some level of comfort:
Assess the Situation
Once a power outage occurs, always start by evaluating its extent. Determine whether the outage is affecting just your home or the entire neighborhood. If it is the former, you can start by checking different rooms in the place. But if it is a widespread issue, you can contact or report the outage to your utility company.
Ensure Immediate Safety
Instead of using candles or lanterns, use solar lights or camping lights. This will not only avoid fire hazards but also help the environment. Furthermore, you should stay clear of any downed power lines. If there are any such lines in the area, you should immediately report them to the company and ensure that no child or adult goes near that place.
Use Solar Generator
In order to keep your appliances running during extended blackouts or emergencies, you can get Jacery Solar Generators. The portable design makes these generators ideal for home and outdoor activities. Additionally, with an Emergency Power Supply feature, your household appliances, like refrigerators or CPAP machines, can start getting power within 20 ms during a sudden power outage.
Maintain Communication
Always get a battery-powered or hand-crank radio so you can communicate with your family members. If you have a portable power station, make sure to charge your laptop or smartphone with it to ensure that you always remain updated from the utility company's side.
How to Check Status of Power Outage FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my home during a power outage?
The size of a solar generator that you need during the power outage depends on the number of appliances you need to operate, their total wattage, and for how long you intend to use them. Let's consider a scenario where you use Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro to concurrently power your air conditioner (1500W), a microwave (1000W), and LED lights (10W), then the working hours can be calculated by:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of the Appliances
Working Hours = 3024 Wh * 0.85/2510 W = 1.02 H.
Note: Always multiply the battery capacity by 0.85 to consider the power loss while charging the appliances.
How long do most power outages last?
Most power outages last a couple of hours, but it all depends on your area, the cause, the severity, and your utility providers. In some rare cases, the outage can last up to days.
How long can food last in the fridge without power?
Food and certain beverages can last up to 4 hours in a refrigerator without power if the door remains closed. To maintain the proper quality and nutritional value, you can use Jackery Solar Generator to power up your refrigerator.
Can I shower during a power outage?
Yes, you can shower during a power outage. However, your electric water heater might not work. So, you can either go ahead with a solar water heater or connect your water heater with a Jackery Solar Generator to get the required hot water.
Can you flush the toilet during a power outage?
Yes, you can easily flush the toilet during a power outage. But if you have an electric pump system, flushing might not be possible.
What to Do When the Power Goes Out
Whenever the power outage starts, the first question that comes to everyone's mind is how to check the status of power status? Followed by understanding the causes behind it, what to do, and how to check the outage maps. If you ever find yourself asking these questions, then understand that it is always a better choice to prepare beforehand. You can prepare an emergency kit and at the same time, get a Jackery Solar Generator. These portable and easy-to-carry solar generators can power up your appliances and provide the right capacity needed to navigate through power outages.
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