What to Do if the Lights Go Out

When severe weather causes power outages, employees of CAEC begin working immediately to restore service. Primary lines serving hundreds of customers are repaired first, and then the secondary lines serving just a few customers are restored.

When your lights go out, look outside and see if your neighbors are also in the dark. If they’re not, check your circuit breaker or fuse box or to see if you can locate the problem.

If the outage has affected you and your neighbors, call CAEC at 1-800-619-5460.

Outages that occur in severe weather, or that last for an extended period of time, can place a heavy burden on the system at the moment power is restored. To prevent an overload on the system and possibly another outage, take these steps:

  • Turn your thermostat down or off.
  • Minimize using hot water during the outage, this will prevent your electric water heater from turning on when power is restored.
  • Make sure your kitchen range is off, both the surface and the oven.
  • Avoid opening the freezer door. A full, freestanding freezer will keep food at freezing temperatures about two days; a half-full freezer about one day. For more information about food safety during and after a power outage, call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.
  • If you see a downed power line, stay away and call CAEC at once.
  • Leave your porch light on so workers will know when your power has been restored.
  • When the power comes back on gradually return your thermostat to its normal setting.