Outage Center | Consumers Energy (2024)

FAQs

How do you respond to a power outage? ›

Most plumbing does not require electricity so thankfully your toilet will still work! The downside to a power outage is that if you have to shower, keep it short! The water heater only holds so much hot water and some citywide systems use electricity to pump sewage to facilities so it could get backed up quickly.

If you think you smell gas, go to a safe place outside. Do not use any electronics until you're far away from the smell. Call 9-1-1 right away and then call us at 800-477-5050. If you're having an issue at your home that requires tree trimming and isn't an emergency, please reach out to our Tree Management Team.

Depending on the amount of water remaining in the pipes, you might be able to flush your toilet several times while the power is out. Eventually, however, your tank won't fill up anymore because the pumps are down. When this happens, you will need to flush your toilet manually by pouring in a bucket of water.

Stock up on drinking and cooking water, and fill your bathtub as a source for buckets of water to flush your toilet until the power comes on. -Put your flashlights, matches, candles and lanterns in a spot that they will be easy to locate if the power goes out after dark.

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

Power Outages and Safe Drinking Water

When the power goes out, water purification systems may fail and water may not be available or it can become contaminated. Your local health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area.

Small amounts of ammonia, baking soda or vinegar can help neutralize the strong smell of gasoline.

Can humans smell natural gas? ›

Natural gas has no odor. Gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give it its distinctive “rotten egg” smell. All natural gas and propane pipeline gas in Connecticut is odorized. If you smell gas near an appliance, it may be just a pilot light that has gone out or a burner valve that is open slightly.

First, check all of the outlets in the affected area to see if any have loose or damaged wires. If so, these need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Another possibility is that a circuit breaker may be loose or damaged. In this case, you will need to replace the breaker or put it back in place.

Planned power cuts and how they work

Each planned power outage is likely to last around three hours, and in emergency cases, this could be longer. You'll be contacted before it's planned, with the details of the time when the power will be cut.

Noun. power bump (plural power bumps) A brief interruption in the supply of power (usually electricity).

Walkie talkies or multi-pack handheld radios may be an option to communicate short distances. Satellite phones are an expensive but reliable way to communicate when power is out and can be purchased online.

The power is out. The electricity went out. We just experienced a power outage.

Dear [Customer's Name], We are experiencing a utility failure that is currently impacting our energy services. We understand the inconvenience this can cause and assure you that our team is working diligently to rectify the issue. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.