Most power outages will be over almost as soon as they begin, but some can last much longer up to days or even weeks. Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the electric power system.
Why did my power just go out and come back on?
Momentary interruptions of your power can last up to a few seconds and are usually caused by a temporary short circuit. When this happens, special electrical equipment is designed to quickly open and close the breaker two or three times automatically, in separate attempts, to clear the temporary short circuit.
How long does it take to fix a power outage?
A power outage can take anywhere from 10 minutes all the way up to a week or so to fix as well. Isn't that a long time range? The reason is that the fixing of a power outage is dependent on quite a few factors. To get an idea about the time range, it is essential to look at these factors.
How long does it take to turn power back on?
If there are complications such as lack of signal to your meter, it could take 24-48 hours to reconnect power. You can call the TDSP for your area to obtain an estimated time frame in which your power will be reconnected. This information can be found on your Direct Energy bill and is provided below by area.
Who do you call when the power goes off?
If you experience a power outage at your home or business that it not related to payment of your electricity bill, please call the utility company for your area (also called the Transmission and Distribution Service provider, or TDSP or TDU).
How do I report a power outage in my area?
The easiest way to report an outage is to use our online Report your Outage tool. You can also call us at 800-477-5050 to report your power outage.