Outages occur for a number of reasons. In the event of a large or wide-spread outage, we prioritize repairs in order to get the largest number of members back on first.

• First, we check and repair any damaged transmission lines. These are the lines that bring power to our electrical system.

• Equipment or line repairs at substations will be done next in order to transfer power from transmission lines to the main distribution lines throughout our service area.

• After the substations are repaired, we turn our attention to our main distribution lines, and then to tap lines, which carry electricity from the main distribution lines to smaller groups of members.

• Once all distribution lines and tap lines are repaired, we begin working on service lines, which typically bring power to only one or two locations.

Restoring power during inclement weather or after a large accident can be a time-consuming process. Berkeley Electric Cooperative maintains a 24-hour, 365 day-a-year dispatch center so if you should lose power, be assured we’re working as quickly as possible to get your lights back on.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative monitors its electric system through the use of digital meters capable of two-way communication. These meters send regular signals back to our system control and alert dispatchers when an outage occurs. System Control is also able to send a signal out to affected meters to help isolate the area where the problem occurred in order to help restore power more quickly.

However, to ensure we are aware of your outage, please call Berkeley Electric at 1-888-253-4232, or login to SmartHub to report your outage. Please do not assume that someone else has reported your outage. By letting us know when you experience an outage, you help our crews restore your service more quickly.

Before calling to report an outage, check your home’s breaker panel (and any outdoor disconnects) to make sure the outage is not due to a tripped breaker. Check to see if your neighbors are also out of power. This will help you determine if the problem exists within your home, or on Berkeley Electric’s system.

If you determine the problem is outside your home, report your outage to Berkeley Electric either online or by calling our automated outage line at 1-888-253-4232. If you are not calling from your service location, or if the number you are calling from is not listed on your account, you will need the account number or phone number on the account - and any details related to the outage. Please let us know if you heard a loud bang, saw damaged equipment or if your neighbors have power, but you do not.

The outage restoration process begins at the substation where power feeds into Berkeley Electric’s system. After any necessary repairs have been made, crews work on remaining outages and correct the trouble, beginning with areas serving the greatest number of members and continuing until electricity is restored to each member’s home.

If you see a Berkeley Electric service crew passing but not stopping, it is because work must first be performed at a nearby location or device before electric service can be restored to your home. Following the outage restoration process ensures all members have their power restored as quickly and safely as possible.

On occasion, your neighbor may have power while you don't at your house. There are a couple reasons this could happen. Remember to check for a tripped breaker or other electrical problem to rule out an outage caused by something in your home. There may also be damage the individual line connected to your home. It is also possible that your neighbor is receiving their electricity from a different power line or substation.

Please be aware that if there is damage to the weatherhead on your home (the point where the power line connects to your house) that it is the member's responsibility to have it repaired. In most cases, Berkeley Electric will not be able to restore power to your home until the weatherhead is repaired and inspected.

Even though the wires coming into your home are buried, overhead wires bring electricity to those underground wires from the substation and are susceptible to damage from wind, ice and trees. Additionally, in areas that are prone to flooding, underground equipment can become damaged once submerged. If the flood waters are saltwater, it may be necessary to wash out the equipment before normal operation can resume.

Each outage is a result of different circumstances, and some may take longer to identify and restore than others. As a result, outage restoration information may not be immediately available.

Not only do drive times to outage locations vary, in some areas, linemen must physically walk through remote territory to investigate the cause of an outage. In other instances, system operators are able to quickly re-route power without dispatching crews to the field. Berkeley Electric provides updates on the status of outages on our live outage map.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative flags the account of members who have medical equipment that requires electricity. If a widespread outage is predicted due to severe weather, these members will receive an automated phone call alerting them to make arrangements for their safety.

It is important to remember that extensive damage to our electric system could take numerous hours, or even several days, to completely repair. Members who must have electricity should be prepared with an emergency backup plan. The plan could include arrangements to move to an alternative location, use of a portable generator and/or installation of a battery backup on important electrical devices. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee uninterrupted or priority service.

If your lights go off during a storm, be prepared for the power outage. Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines for milk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Have Plenty of Food

• Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.

• Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!

• Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.

• Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Stay In Touch

• Have a portable,battery-powered radio and alarm clock.

• Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.

• Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
  Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Keep Things Going

• Keep plenty of gas in your car.

• Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

• Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.

• Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.

• Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.

• Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.

• Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.

• Put first-aid kits in your home and car.

• Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.

• Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.

• Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.

• Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.

• Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).

Don't forget to download a copy of our Storm Safety brochure.

You can also visit the Red Cross for more readiness information on Thunderstorms and Hurricanes.