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Outage FAQs

Who gets power restored first? Why can't you tell me exactly how long my power will be out? 

All the answers to your Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I sign up for outage alerts?

Members can get alerts via text or email about power outages, plus other account alerts (such as when your bill is available) through PVREA's free app. If you don't have the app, signing up is easy and only takes a few minutes. 

In the App

  1. Click on the Settings icon.
  2. Click on "Manage Notifications" under the Notifications section.
  3. Click on the Service tab.  
  4. Choose which cell phone and/or email address you would like to receive the notifications for all of the alert types. If you have no contacts listed, you can add contacts under Manage Contacts.

On the Web

  1. Sign in to your online account.
  2. Click on Notifications in the menu.
  3. Click on Manage Notifications.
  4. Click on the Service tab.  
  5. Choose which cell phone and/or email address you would like to receive the notifications for all of the alert types. If you have no contacts listed, you can add contacts under Manage Contacts.
How does PVREA manage calls during a widespread power outage?

After hours and during widespread outage situations, PVREA will activate our call center to receive hundreds of member calls. This call center allows us to take hundreds of member calls during a large outage, and logs it in our outage management system.

Why can’t you tell me how long it will take to restore my power?

Each outage is a result of different circumstances, and some may take longer to identify and restore than others. Oftentimes, our linemen are working in severe weather and at night, and unable to report back to the office very often. As a result, outage restoration information may not be immediately available.

In some areas of our service territory, linemen must physically walk through remote mountain territory to investigate the cause of an outage, which can be time consuming. In other instances, system operators are able to quickly re-route power without dispatching crews to the field and the outage is a shorter duration.

PVREA provides updates the best we can on our automated outage phone system and updates them with new information as it becomes available. Members can also sign up for outage alerts in the PVREA app. In large outage situations, PVREA posts information on our Facebook, Twitter and website. 

Does PVREA know I have lost electric service?

Probably, but still call in or report your outage through PVREA's app. PVREA monitors our electric system and often knows about outages on distribution circuits, power lines and substations, but we do not always know about outages impacting just a few members. To ensure we are aware of your outage, please call PVREA at 1-800-432-1012, or login to PVREA's app 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.

What can I do to help get my power back on?

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 PVREA’s system. If you determine the problem is outside your home, report your outage to PVREA. You will need the following information available when you call: 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.

How do you decide whose power to restore first?

The outage restoration process begins at the point where power feeds into PVREA's system. This could be at a substation, transmission line or a main distribution line. After these 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 members' home.

Why would a PVREA crew pass by without restoring the power at my house?

If you see a PVREA truck 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.

Why does my neighbor have power and I do not?

It depends upon the cause of the outage. Remember to check and make sure your power is not out because of an electrical problem inside your home, such as a tripped breaker. If your neighbor has electricity and you do not, more than likely, they receive their electricity from a different power line or substation. It also depends upon the fusing of the particular power line your home is fed from. 

What about members with special medical needs?

PVREA maintains a list of members who have medical equipment that requires electricity. PVREA will give members with special medical needs priority in the restoration of their electric service whenever it is reasonably possible to do so. If you have a special medical need, you can apply to get added to this list by calling PVREA at 1-800-432-1012.

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.

What should I do if a power line falls in my yard?

Consider all fallen wires to be energized, regardless of whether or not they appear to be safe. Report the fallen power line to PVREA immediately. Make sure your children, pets and neighbors stay away from the power line and any objects it may be touching.

How should I prepare for outages?

PVREA recommends having an emergency kit on hand so you are ready for any emergency. Include items like a portable radio, batteries, corded phone and a flashlight. Store this kit in a designated place so it is easy to find. How do I protect appliances in my house? A lighting strike or downed power line can send a surge of electricity through your home, potentially damaging appliances. Computers, TVs and other electronic equipment are expensive investments that are worthy of protecting from storm-related damage. Surge protectors you can purchase at many retail stores in the area provide a defense against power spikes and surges. 

If power goes out, do I need to throw out all the food in my refrigerator and freezer?

To minimize the loss of food during a power outage, limit the number of times you open your refrigerator or freezer door. If the doors remain closed, refrigerated food can remain safely cold for about four hours; frozen food can remain safe for two days if the freezer is full and the doors remain closed. Learn more about food safety in a power outage by viewing the American Red Cross’s Food Safety web page.

Is a generator safe to use when I lose power?

A generator can be a wonderful tool during an outage, especially if you have special medical needs and require electricity. But, it can also be extremely dangerous if used improperly. Be aware that it’s against the law, and a violation of electrical codes, to connect a generator to your home’s electrical circuits without a generator transfer switch automatic-interrupt device. Otherwise, if a generator is online when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home’s electrical circuits may endanger service crews helping to restore power in your area. Read more generator safety tips here.

Why do the lights go out?

How Your Power is Restored

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7649 REA Parkway
Fort Collins, CO 80528
 

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"A Touchstone Energy Cooperative"

©2023 Poudre Valley REA, Inc

  • My Account
    • Manage My Account
      • Start or Stop Service
      • Payment and Billing
      • Payment Assistance
      • Payment Arrangements
      • Pay As You Go
      • Street Light Maintenance
      • Tree Trimming Request
      • PVREA App
    • Member Info
      • Member Perks & Info
      • FAQs
      • Member Credits
      • Commonly Requested Forms
      • Rates
      • Fees & Charges
      • Rules & Regulations
      • Co-op Connections Program
  • Manage Energy
    • Renewable Energy
      • Cooperative Solar
      • Private Solar
      • DG Level II and III
      • Green Power Program
      • Request for Proposals
    • Resources
      • Rebates
      • Tips & Tools
      • Energy Assessments
      • Select-HVAC
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Home Energy Advisor
      • Power Peak Rewards
      • Power Peak
      • Building Benchmarking
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outages
      • Outage Center
      • Report Outage
      • Storm Safety Tips
      • Sign Up for Outage Alerts
    • Safety
      • Electrical Safety
      • Call Before You Dig
      • Trees & Power Lines
      • Electrical Safety Demos
  • My Community
    • For Our Community
      • Help Other Members
      • Reserve Community Room
      • Grassroots
      • Programs & Presentations
      • Sponsorships & Events
    • For Our Kids
      • Kids Corner
      • Youth Leadership Camp
      • Washington D.C. Youth Tour
      • Scholarships
      • Empower Grant Program
  • The Co-op
    • About Us
      • About PVREA
      • Contact Us
      • The Cooperative Difference
      • Where the Power Comes From
      • Service Territory
      • Board of Directors
      • Reports & Bylaws
    • News & Events
      • Board Meeting Schedule & Minutes
      • News
      • Construction Updates
      • Annual Meeting
      • 80 by 30 Goal
      • Careers
      • Events