Providing reliable electric service is the number-one priority of electric companies.  But sometimes power outages are simply unavoidable.  Most power outages are caused by weather-related events. When the power does go out, electric companies work around the clock to restore service as soon as possible.

• Be Prepared, Be Safe, and Be Informed
  Find out what to do if your power goes out.
• Frequently Asked Questions About Power Outages
  Learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about power outages.

How Electric Companies Restore Electric Service

• RestorePower
  This Web site is dedicated to facilitating power restoration needs before, during, and after emergencies caused by natural disasters.
• Emergency Response Awards
  Learn more about this award given to EEI member companies that put forth an outstanding effort to restore electric service promptly to the public.

Additional Resources

• Understanding the Electric Power Industry's Mutual Assistance Network 
• Before and After the Storm
  A compilation to provide members with a centralized source of recent studies, reports, and other information regarding options for system hardening and resiliency measures in response to storm related outages of electric distribution facilities. The compilation provides a menu of infrastructure hardening and resiliency options, the relative cost impact of such measures, information on the various cost recovery mechanisms utilized, and a representative overview of various state programs addressing system hardening, resiliency and cost recovery. The compilation is aimed to serve as a reference tool to assist members in addressing state commissions and legislatures as they investigate possible regulatory reforms with respect to how electric utilities combat and respond to storm related outages. (January 2013)
• After the Disaster: Utility Restoration Cost Recovery
  Outlines steps it encourages electric utilities and state regulators to consider in establishing concrete, stable mechanisms to plan for and mitigate the massive cost of rebuilding electric systems following a major weather event. Prepared by Bradley W. Johnson, ACN Energy Ventures LLC. (February 2005)
• Utility Storm Restoration Response
  This report examines electric company responses to 44 major storms that occurred between 1989 and 2003. The study finds that electric companies have improved their ability to quickly repair significant damage created by major storms and are deploying workers more efficiently. (January 2004)