Planned power outages

Why is your power being turned off?

Planned power outages are sometimes necessary when we make improvements to the electric system throughout our service territory. Most of the time, we can do this with no impact to you. Occasionally, we need to turn off your power for your safety and the safety of our crews. We know being without power is inconvenient and we appreciate your patience during these planned outages. We'll turn the lights back on as soon as we can!

How long will your power be out?

The length of time you’ll be without power depends on how long it takes our crews to complete their work. You’ll receive a planned power outage notification that indicates the approximate duration of your power outage and what hours the power outage is anticipated to occur between. Our crews will work as quickly and safely as a possible to get your power back on.

Notifying you ahead of time

We will notify you in advance to give you time to prepare for a planned power outage. You may receive a postcard, letter, email, or phone notification and/or we may post a notice on your door. We strive to provide as much advance notice as possible and will always provide at least 24 hours’ notice before any planned power outage.

Your contact information

To help us inform you of upcoming planned power outages, project updates or schedule changes, please check to make sure your PSE online account information is up to date with your current email and phone number.

What should you do to prepare for a planned outage?

Residential customers

• If you rely on medical equipment dependent on electricity, have a plan to maintain use of your equipment during the outage.
• Charge your cell phones. Cordless phones will not work during the power outage.
• Unplug computers, televisions and sensitive electronics.
• Notify your home security company.
• Know how to manually operate garage doors and electric gates.
• Minimize opening refrigerator and freezer doors during the outage.
• If you have a generator, make sure it has been installed properly. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for safe generator use.
• Check to make sure all heat-producing appliances (stoves, toaster ovens, irons, and hair curlers) are turned off. This will minimize any fire hazard if the power is restored while you're away.
• If electricity is required to run your water or to refill your toilet for flushing, have a reserve of water on hand prior to the planned power outage.
• Never use a gas range, indoor cooker, charcoal or gas barbeque for heating.

Business customers

• Notify employees and customers as needed.
• Notify your alarm and phone company, as these systems can be affected.
• Unplug any sensitive electronic equipment such as computers and testing instruments.
• Consider implications to services that support your business such as janitorial services and deliveries.
• Remember that electrical systems you rely upon, such as elevators, electronic access systems or refrigeration, will be unavailable during the outage.
• If you have a backup generator or are considering renting a generator, ensure it is installed correctly and notify the project manager.
• Once the power has been restored for about 10 minutes, turn your equipment back on in stages so that you don't overload the circuit.
• Consider time required for startup of specialized equipment.

What type of projects may need a planned power outage?

• Capacity & reliability projects: making improvements that will increase electric reliability and decrease unplanned power outages for you and your neighbors.
• System growth/upgrades: building electric system capacity to support future growth in your area and increase efficiency. To learn about major projects in your area, visit PSE projects.
• New construction: connecting new customers to the electric system.
• Maintenance work: making necessary maintenance or repairs to the electric system.
• Public improvement: relocating a segment of our electric system to make way for a local public improvement project.

Questions or comments?

The project manager can provide the most up to date information regarding the power outage, project update or schedule change. Contact information can be found on the notification you receive.

If you don’t have the project manager’s contact information, please email Outages@PSE.com please include your name, address and brief description of the project.