Safety
Prepare for an electric outage
We know that you rely on electricity to run your business. While most outages are caused by forces out of our control, we are prepared to respond to any outage quickly and safely. The major sources of electrical disturbances are due to:
- Storms - lightning, wind or ice
- Trees
- Wildlife contact
- Vehicle contact
- Excavation or digging
When your power is out, call 608-252-7111 or 800-245-1123 (toll-free) to report your outage.
Momentary outages
A momentary outage, or a power “blink,” is a brief interruption in the electric power supply. These outages are usually caused when something like a tree branch comes in contact with an electric line or equipment. Momentary outages help protect the distribution system by isolating the issue and preventing a larger outage. Many times, these outages clear themselves. If the problem persists, MGE works to locate the source of the problem and restore power as safely and as quickly as possible.
Plan ahead
Your business will do better the more you know and prepare. Consider:
- Emergency light system
- Emergency fire pump
- Emergency backup power system
- Equipment or system shutdown priorities
Backup generation
Your business is important. Doing business without electricity during a power outage may not be acceptable. A portable generator may be able to provide just the right amount of backup power for your critical processes.
Portable generators
A portable generator can pose serious safety hazards to you and others. Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer and keep the following in mind:
- They are designed to be connected only to selected equipment or lights.
- They should never be connected directly to a building's wiring system.
- They may "backfeed" electricity out of your building and energize dead power lines.
- Anyone contacting those lines, such as our MGE crews or other emergency service people, could be seriously injured or killed.
- They can be damaged when power is restored.
Portable generator guidelines:
- Read and follow all instructions.
- Connect appliances to the generator one at a time, starting with those that draw the largest load.
- Prioritize your needs. Use the lowest wattage light bulbs that provide a safe level of light, reserving power for additional lighting elsewhere or for a small appliance.
- The greater the load, the more fuel your generator will use.
- Only use three-pronged extension cords of adequately heavy gauge.
- Make sure appliances plugged into the generator have overcurrent protection provided at the generator.
- See your electric code authority for more information.
- Only use generators outside. The carbon monoxide fumes they emit could be deadly indoors.
- Operate generators on a firm, level surface. Running on an incline could cause the piston to seize.
- Check extension cords frequently to make sure they have not become hot.
- Don't use generators under conditions that are dusty, sandy or wet.
- Run the generator under load monthly.
- Trickle-charge the battery every month.
- Keep the tank filled with fresh fuel.
- Use fuel conditioner to keep the fuel from breaking down.
