Power outages occur for various reasons around the SMECO service area. Outages may be caused by:
Storms
Car accidents
Dig-ins (usually in construction areas)
Fallen trees
Other reasons
In Most Cases, an Outage Affects Very Few Customers & is Repaired Within Hours
When widespread outages occur because of storms or high winds, SMECO personnel respond as quickly as possible. The Co-op’s computerized outage system tracks customer calls (which provides the data for our Outage Map), and service crews are dispatched to the affected area. While speed and efficiency are important, SMECO employees are instructed to maintain safety standards as they work to restore power to customers.
SMECO’s outage restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time.
First
Transmission lines and substations are repaired
Next
Distribution lines feed neighborhoods
Finally
Tap lines and individual service lines are repaired to restore power to customers who may still be without electricity
Steps to Restoring Power (PDF) explains how utilities restore service after a major disaster.
SMECO relies on you—our customer-members—to call to report an outage; your call helps us determine the cause and location of an outage. Call our automated system at (877)-747-6326 ((877) 74-SMECO) to report an outage.
If you spot a downed power line, consider it energized and dangerous. Please stay clear of any downed lines, and call SMECO immediately at (888) 440-3311.
If you use a portable generator during an outage, please operate it safely. Visit our page on Generator Safety for more information.