power outages

KPUB cannot respond to every outage at once, so we categorize the size of the outage and services impacted to create the most effective and efficient plan.

During a typical outage, KPUB will determine the order of power restoration in the following sequence:

• Dangerous situations such as fires and downed power lines are always prioritized first.
• Critical system loads that include communications systems, water/wastewater pump stations, hospitals, and other services vital to public welfare.
• Substation equipment serving larger numbers of customers.
• Distribution lines serving subdivisions, large housing areas, and commercial areas.
• Service lines and transformers that serve small numbers of customers.
• Service lines and transformers serving individual customers.

Report a power outage 24/7 online through your SmartHub account, the SmartHub App or by contacting us at 830.257.2883.

All of KPUB’s customers are served by an automated metering infrastructure (AMI) meter, so KPUB is normally notified automatically when your power is out. However, the more reports we receive about an outage, the better we can identify the cause of the outage and the impact on our customers.

Additionally, you may have information that may help KPUB more quickly identify the problem in your area, such as being able to see a tree on the line that you want to share with KPUB. These details help us to develop a restoration plan to quickly get your power restored.

KPUB has an outage map available 24/7 that shows the number of power outages with the number of customers being affected in specific locations across our service area.

Lights flicker when there is a sudden change in the power level. It can happen during a strong storm or when a large load such as an air conditioner, elevator or a local portable heater kicks on.

If that is the case, it is advisable to contact a licensed electrician to check the circuits and rewire if necessary.

Yes. These types of electronics do not handle power surges well, and the return of power after an outage may entail a brief surge of power. In fact, during a power outage, you should also turn off any electric item that was on before the outage except for one light so you know when power is restored.

Not only does this protect your appliances, but it also eases the electrical demand when power is restored.

Stay far away from downed power lines and trees with power lines touching them. No one should go near downed lines. Trees and limbs on the ground may be in contact with energized lines and should also be avoided. If you see downed lines, call local law enforcement office or KPUB immediately to report downed power lines. If you are not able to reach law enforcement or KPUB due to high call volumes, contact 9-1-1.

KPUB is concerned about the safety and well-being of all customers. It is important for all customers to have an emergency outage plan, especially those who must have electricity due to medical necessity. This is particularly important in the case of an extended outage and should include arrangements to move to an alternate location, use a portable generator and/or installation of a battery backup.

If a power line falls on a car or vehicle while you are in it, you should STAY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. This is the safest place to stay. Warn people not to touch the car or the line. Call or ask someone to call KPUB at 830.257.2883 and emergency services.

The only circumstance in which you should consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches on fire. If that happens, open the door, but do not step out of the car because you may receive a shock. Instead, keeping both feet together, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Once you clear the vehicle, shuffle at least 50 feet away, with both feet on the ground.

As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by contacting local law enforcement or 9-1-1.

Do NOT try to help someone else from the car, truck, tractor, or combine while you are standing on the ground.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. If you keep freezer doors closed, it will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours if it is full; 24 hours if it is half-full. Dry or block ice will keep a refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for an extended amount of time. For more information, visit www.fda.gov.

Outages due to weather are beyond our control, and although we attempt to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, extensive damage can take several days to repair.

KPUB does not reimburse customers for equipment damaged or food lost during a weather-related outage. Customers should contact their renters or homeowner’s insurance carrier to determine if their policies cover such losses.

You are only charged for the amount of electricity you use. During the time your service was interrupted your meter did not register electric usage and you will not be charged for any consumption.

KPUB tree contractors conduct tree trimming throughout the year to keep power lines free of limbs and debris. Following a storm, KPUB does not remove tree debris caused by a storm or emergency situation. Crews may need to cut broken and uprooted trees if it is necessary to facilitate their power restoration efforts. It is still however, the responsibility of the property owner to remove the tree debris. For tree removal, you will need to call a landscape or tree contractor.

There are a number of things you can do during a power outage to help protect your property from damage. Take a look at our power outage tips below to learn what you should do if the lights go out.

• Unplug sensitive electronics, like televisions and computers, and appliances that have motors, like air conditioners. You should also turn off all electrical appliances that were on when the power went off, especially heat pumps, or electric heat. This may prevent appliances from being damaged by power variations that can occur when power is restored.
• Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed during outages. Food will generally stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully-loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours.
• As soon as power returns, check temperatures. If the food in the freezer has ice crystals and is not above 40 degrees F, you can refreeze. Perishable foods in the refrigerator should not be above 40 degrees F for more than two hours.
• Keep curtains closed and limit trips outside to retain heat for a longer period.
• Make sure to have flashlights, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries in an easily accessible area.
• Keep a battery-operated radio tuned to a local station. If the power outage is extensive or if there are rotating outages, announcements should be made on the radio.
• If you plan to hook up a gas power powered portable generator during an outage plug appliances directly into it. Do not connect the generator directly to your house wiring.
• Do not operate a generator in a confined space and be sure the exhaust fumes are blowing away from your home.