When Power Goes Out
Most power outages are caused by storms or accidents. Although these forces are beyond our control, we're ready to respond quickly and safely to restore your electricity as soon as possible.
Be prepared if the power goes out by following these tips before, during and after a power outage.
Before a storm
- Sign up to receive outage notifications from MGE if the power goes out.
- Bookmark MGE's outage map page in your phone, and add the phone number to report outages (608-252-7111) to your contacts for quick access.
- Follow MGE on Facebook where we post updates during large outage events.
- When storms are predicted, be sure to charge your mobile devices and ensure any portable charging batteries are charged and ready to use. Also make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries.
- If you have a well pump or sump pump, consider getting a backup power supply to ensure its safe operation in the event of an extended power outage.
- Use surge protection devices to help protect sensitive electronic equipment when power is restored.
- Freeze water to use if needed for refrigeration or for drinking.
- Plan for medical needs, including refrigerated medicines and any medical devices that require electric power.
If you or someone in your family requires electrical life-support equipment, we urge you to have a backup plan in case the power goes out. Please notify us of your situation by printing and completing MGE's Medical Condition Certification form. It must be certified by a medical, social service and/or law enforcement provider. Then, mail or fax it to: MGE Customer Service, PO Box 1231, Madison WI 53701-1231 (Fax: 608-252-4714).
During an outage
- If your power goes out, report your outage online, by texting "OUT" to 73904 or by calling MGE at 608-252-7111.
- Unplug sensitive electronic equipment and turn off as many appliances as you can to help prevent possible overloads when power is restored. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Use a battery-powered computer, mobile device or radio for news updates and to monitor MGE's Facebook page.
- If you run a gasoline-powered generator, follow manufacturer guidelines. Be sure to place it outside and a safe distance from your home to avoid a buildup of carbon monoxide.
- If your power remains out after your neighbor has lights, call MGE.
- Never enter a flooded room or basement while the power is still on. Call MGE to have the power disconnected before starting cleanup work, including pumping water out of the flooded areas.
- See our Outage Safety and Emergency Safety sections for more information.
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.
After an outage
- If you see a downed or damaged power line, all MGE at 608-252-7111.
- Avoid downed wires.Assume any downed wire is energized, and stay at least 30 feet away.
- Do not touch or attempt to retrieve any toys or devices, such as drones and kites, that may be caught in an electric line.
- Do not touch someone who is being shocked by a downed line—you could be killed.
- Stay clear of areas where there are tree branches in suspended power lines.
- If the electric service lines coming into your home are damaged, call a qualified electrician to inspect and repair them. MGE cannot restore your service until repairs have been made.
- During a lengthy outage, take extra precautions to preserve food in your refrigerator and freezer. MGE is not responsible for any loss of food you might experience. Learn how to keep your food safe.
- See our Outage Safety section for more information.
Stay informed if the power goes out!
MGE customers can opt to receive text, email and/or automated voice call notifications if the power goes out at their home or business. Outage notifications provide the outage time and estimated restoration time.
