Planned Outages

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are planned outages necessary?

  Planned outages are typically scheduled so that our crews can safely make equipment repairs or complete proactive maintenance to enhance electric service and help prevent future power outages. This may include tree trimming, system upgrades or other work to help support future growth in the area. 

• How will I be notified if there is a planned outage in my area?

  We will attempt to notify you of an upcoming planned outage. Be sure to keep your contact information up to date so that we can reach you.

  You can also sign up to receive notifications of planned outages via text message or email in your online account. If you haven’t created an online account, you can do so here.  

  We strive to give as much notice as possible so that you can prepare in advance of a planned outage. If an emergency equipment repair is needed, advanced notice may not be possible. We appreciate your patience while we take steps to enhance your electric service. 

• How should I prepare for a planned outage?

  A few simple steps can help ensure you’re prepared when a planned outage is scheduled for your area:

  1. If you’re using a backup generator for emergency power, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use it safely. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system without a proper isolation device installed by a qualified electrician.  Operating a generator that is not isolated from the electric distribution system is dangerous. 

  2. If any member of your household depends on electrically operated life-support equipment, have a contingency plan in place, such as a battery backup.

  3. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food will keep for several hours if doors are closed as much as possible.

  4. Make sure all devices are fully charged.

  5. Know how to manually open garage doors and electric gates.

  6. Have water available, especially if you rely on well water.

  7. Use a flashlight or battery-powered lantern for light. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.

  8. To safeguard your equipment and appliances – and to ease the initial load when power is restored – turn off or unplug televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computers and appliances that use electric motors, such as refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners, until power is restored. Leave an incandescent light on so you know when the power comes back on.

  9. During cold weather, keep warm safely. Put on extra clothes or wrap up in blankets. DO NOT use gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources for warmth. Deadly carbon monoxide gas - which is odorless and invisible - may build up in your home without you realizing it.

• How long do planned outages usually last?

  The duration of a planned outage depends on the complexity of the job and the estimated amount of time we expect it will take our crews to safely complete the work. When you receive a planned outage notification, we will indicate how long we expect the outage to last and the approximate start and end time.

  While our goal is to complete scheduled maintenance within the estimated timeframe, occasionally the start or end time may shift to help ensure our crews can complete the job as safely as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to enhance your electric service.

  Planned outages may be cancelled or rescheduled if there is severe weather forecast or for other unforeseen reasons.

• How do I stay informed during a planned outage?

  The status of power outages is available 24/7 on our outage maps. You can also text STAT to 544487 or log into your online account to view current updates. 

• Why was I notified of a planned outage but my neighbor was not?

  The electric system is set up by circuits. Locations as close as next door to each other can be on different circuits and, therefore, affected by different issues. This may be why some customers receive a notification about a planned outage and others do not. Additionally, some customers may benefit from the same project but experience a planned outage at a different time than their neighbors. 

• I experienced a planned outage but wasn’t notified. Why?

  We strive to give customers as much notice as possible so that they can prepare, if necessary. If an emergency repair is needed, advanced notice may not be possible.

  It’s also possible that your contact information needs updated. Please be sure to keep your contact information current so that we can reach you via phone when there is a planned outage scheduled for your area.

  You can also sign up to receive notifications of planned outages via text message or email in your online account. If you haven’t created an online account, you can do so here.  

• I still have questions. Who do I call?

  If you have additional questions about power outages, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/outages for tips and resources to prepare for and manage through a power outage.

  If you need to report an electrical emergency such as a downed power line, please call 911. To report a power outage, call 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877) or text OUT to 544487.

  For all other inquiries, contact us and a member of our team will follow up with you.