Outage Map
Our outage map provides real-time updates on power outages in your area, helping you stay informed and prepared. Easily track outage locations and view estimated restoration times to ensure you’re never left in the dark.
Report an Outage
1-877-766-6769
Receive instant updates and report power outages quickly through convenient text messages, ensuring you’re always connected and in the know.
Instructions:
- Make sure your mobile number is on file and stored with your account.
- Once confirmed, text PWR to 919-774-4900 to enroll.
- That's it! You're set!
To report an outage, text OUT to 919-774-4900.
If your power is off:
- Check your home's breaker panel to make sure the outage isn't due to a tripped breaker;
- Call your neighbors to see if their power is off so you can determine if the problem exists within your home or on our lines; and
- If discovered that the problem is outside your home, call Central Electric, day or night, 365 days a year. If your neighbor's power is out, don't assume others have reported the outage.
Enroll in our Outage Texting Service
Receive instant updates and report power outages quickly through convenient text messages, ensuring you’re always connected and in the know.
Instructions:
- Make sure your mobile number is on file and stored with your account.
- Once confirmed, text PWR to 919-774-4900 to enroll.
- That's it! You're set!
To report an outage, text OUT to 919-774-4900. Text STATUS for updates.
Be Prepared. Plan Now.
Natural events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, may cause extended outages. You can rest assured that Central Electric personnel are working as quickly as possible to restore your electrical service.
Use the following tips to remain safe during storm season:
Before:
- Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed. Make sure you have batteries prepared for radios and flashlights.
- Bring in anything that could possibly be picked up and thrown by high winds.
- Make sure all electronic devices are fully charged ahead of time.
- Talk with members of your household and have an evacuation plan prepared.
- If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is installed by a licensed electrician. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. Also, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area where exhaust fumes will not enter your home.
After:
- Avoid downed or dangling power lines and report them to Central Electric immediately. Treat all downed lines as if they are energized; never assume that the line is dead.
- Stay away from flooded areas, power lines could be submerged and still energized.
- Stay alert for flooded areas and never attempt to drive through high-water.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible so your food will last longer in the event of a power outage. After a power outage, thoroughly inspect perishable food and throw out any spoiled items.
- Inspect your home for any damage and take good pictures for insurance purposes.
- After the storm, drive only if necessary to keep roads clear for emergency personnel and utility workers.
Generators
When a power outage occurs, many people turn to a portable generator for help. The safety of you, our members, and our employees is a top priority at Central Electric, especially during dangerous times. When storms hit our area, we rush to your aid as soon as weather conditions allow our lineworkers to travel and make repairs safely.
Our line crews take necessary precautions before they work on downed power lines. First, they verify a circuit has been de-energized, and that proper switches are opened and tagged to isolate the circuit from the system. We place grounds on the circuit to make sure the line cannot be energized while work’s being done. But even after these measures, our workers’ lives remain in your hands.
Your cooperative is proud of our outstanding safety record, but sometimes, no matter how many steps we take to keep everyone safe, the very people we are there to help unknowingly put our lineworker’s lives, and their own, in danger. Portable generators, widely used when power lines are down, can prove fatal to lineworkers and your neighbors when used improperly.
Please use the following safety guidelines when using a portable generator:
- Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. This can cause backfeeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs. Have a licensed electrician install the equipment necessary to safely connect emergency generators to your home.
- Place the generator in a well-ventilated area where exhaust fumes will not enter your home. Just like your automobile, a portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits carbon monoxide. You should operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to your home.
- Always plug appliances directly into generators. Connecting the generator to your home’s circuits or wiring must be done by a qualified, licensed electrician who will install a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding.
- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Make sure extension cords are free of cuts or tears and the plug has three prongs. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage.
- Ensure your generator is properly grounded.
- Never overload a generator. A portable generator should only be used when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances.
- Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
- Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface under an open structure.
- Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never fuel a generator while it is operating.
- Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.
- Remember, when venturing outside after a severe storm, stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Assume that any dangling wires you encounter are electrical, and treat all downed or hanging power lines as if they are energized. Warn others to stay away and contact the electric utility.
We encourage you to protect the well-being and safety of your family during outages, and safeguard those who come to your aid during emergency situations. When we work together for safety and the good of our communities, we all benefit.
The Right Portable Generator for the Job
Before purchasing or operating a portable generator, make a list of the appliances you will need to run at the same time. Find both starting and running wattage requirements on appliance nameplates or in the owner's manuals; add them up to determine the total wattage your generator should handle.
See chart for sample wattages of common appliances.