Generators must be installed properly or they can back-feed through the service line to the distribution lines, causing a serious safety hazard for the crews restoring power. Generators should be connected to the building's electrical system using an approved transfer switch. The alternative is to plug selected appliances and equipment directly into the generator.
Outage FAQ
When a major power outage occurs, restoring electric service is often a complicated process. Damage to the utility's electric distribution system that is caused by wind, snow, ice, lightning, or other severe weather conditions usually is not isolated to one specific area. Under these conditions, EPUD’s primary objective is to get the power back on for everyone in the most systematic, efficient, and safe manner. That's why we use the TSDS system:
- (T) Transmission lines
- (S) Substations
- (D) Distribution lines
- (S) Service lines
When a widespread power outage occurs, the first location that service crews check is the substation. The substation is the source from which all power is distributed. Service crews then start working their way out along the main distribution lines, or "feeders." These main feeders are repaired first, followed by the lines serving groups of homes, and finally, repairs at individual homes are made. View our Steps to Restoring Power (PDF).
Once we are aware of the outage, an EPUD employee is immediately sent to patrol the outage area and identify the problem. The employee takes action to isolate the problem and restore power to as many customers as possible. Depending on the problem, a crew may have to be called to work on repairs.
Outage lengths vary, depending on the severity of the problem. EPUD will change its outage phone message to include all areas affected by outages and the estimated times of repair (if available). We strive to update the message within 30 minutes of the first outage notification. The outage map will also be updated. For large or widespread outages, updates will be posted on EPUD's Facebook page.
Check your fuses and circuit breakers. Make sure that everyone in your family knows where the breaker box is located and how to handle fuses and breakers. If this isn't the source of the problem, report the outage by logging into your account via SmartHub, Emerald's payment and account management system. (Download the free SmartHub mobile app to access your account from your mobile device. Available on App Store® and Google Play™.) Using SmartHub is the fastest way to get your outage reported. You can also report an outage by phone, 24 hours a day, at 541-746-1583.
Turn off your electric water heater (usually the top left-hand circuit breaker) and unplug any solid-state electrical equipment (microwave, VCR, TV) so that it won't be damaged by a power overload when the electricity comes back on. Turn on your porch light or other outside light so that when our crews are in the area they can more easily see which houses have power and which don't. It also helps them know when and where the power is back on.
Power outages are most commonly caused by bad weather, trees contacting electric lines or equipment, motor vehicle accidents affecting electric equipment or facilities, equipment failure, or damage done by animals. Also, faulty wiring and equipment within your building can cause a localized power outage.
Report an outage by logging into your account via SmartHub, Emerald's payment and account management system. (Download the free SmartHub mobile app to access your account from your mobile device. Available on App Store® and Google Play™.) Using SmartHub is the fastest way to get your outage reported. You can also report an outage by phone, 24 hours a day, at 541-746-1583.
We do our best to ensure you have as few service interruptions as possible, but sometimes weather conditions or car accidents cause the power to go out. For large and widespread outages, you can find alerts and updates on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/emeraldpud).