Outage Center
Report an outage and follow your restoration
We know losing power disrupts your day, and we don't take that lightly. Our Systems Control team monitors the grid 24/7, which often allows us to spot an outage and start working on it before you call. If your power is out, members can report it through myMTE or by phone. Our Outage Map is also available to view current outage locations and updates. On this page, you'll learn how we restore power, why outages happen, and how to stay safe until your lights are back on.
Understanding outages
Three easy ways to report an outage
When your power goes out, let us know. Have your account number and the phone number on your account ready.
- myMTE app or website: Report your outage online in just a few taps.
- Automated outage line: Call 877-777-0215 any time.
- 24/7 live support: Call 877-777-9020 to speak with a member of our team.
Related resources:
Restoring power as quickly and safely as possible
Our crews work around the clock until every member has power again. We follow a three-step process that's recognized as an industry-best practice. We start with the lines that serve the most members and work down to individual homes.
- Critical services first: Hospitals, police, fire stations, and other public health and safety facilities come first.
- Step 1 — Substations and main lines: Crews repair substations and the main lines that carry power out of them. This can bring the largest number of members back at once.
- Step 2 — Tap lines: Crews fix the smaller lines that branch off the main lines into neighborhoods.
- Step 3 — Service lines: Crews restore power to remaining groups of members, then to individual homes.
Every member is prioritized equally. We restore power in the order that gets the most people back on the fastest.
Why your neighbor may have power when you don't
Your neighbor's home may be on a different circuit or phase than yours. The damage may be limited to the service wire running to your home, or your breaker might have tripped. If your neighbors' lights are on and yours aren't, you can report your outage to ensure we’re aware of it.
Related resources:
Common causes of outages
Most outages come from three things: severe weather, trees and limbs touching power lines, and animals getting into equipment. We take a proactive approach to preventing outages, such as pruning trees away from the power lines, using animal deterrents and shields, and hardening our system using modern grid infrastructure.
Why your lights blink
Seeing your lights blink? That's usually a good sign. It means our equipment is working as designed to clear a problem and keep your power on. A brief blink can prevent a longer outage.
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Brief outages that strengthen the grid
Sometimes we schedule short, planned outages to safely upgrade equipment and strengthen the grid. If your area is affected, we'll let you know ahead of time, usually with an automated call the day before.
It’s important that the contact information on your account stays up to date so we can contact you in situations like these. You can update your information through myMTE or by contacting our member support team.
Related resources:
Staying safe during an outage
Always treat a downed power line as live and dangerous. Stay as far away as you can (at least 30 ft.), and report it by calling 911 or MTE at 877-777-9020.
Run portable generators outdoors only, away from doors, windows, and vents, because carbon monoxide can be deadly. Don't connect a generator to your home's wiring unless a professional has installed equipment that prevents backfeed — power flowing back onto the lines, where it can hurt our lineworkers.
Before severe weather arrives, keep your devices charged and pack a kit with flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio, nonperishable food, and water.
Helpful resources
Update your contact information
Keep your phone number and email current so we can reach you about outages and planned work that affect your home.
Get outage notifications in myMTE
Turn on outage notifications in your myMTE notification settings to stay up to date when your power is affected.
Contact MTE's Member Support Team
We understand our members expect more than just affordable, reliable, and safe electricity. You also expect outstanding member service, which includes helping you find answers and solutions to your concerns.
From myMTE app issues to billing questions and everything in between, our member support team is always here to provide you with the help you need. We've put together some useful information for you, but feel free to contact us directly to discuss any additional concerns you have.
Email: info@mte.com
Phone: 877-777-9020
Online: mte.com/Contact
