How do I find out which utility serves my home?
Your electric bill names your utility, and that is the company to contact. In the West Valley, most addresses are served by either APS or SRP. If you cannot find a bill, the utility websites let you search by address.
Save the outage number and app on your phone before you need it. When the power is out, home internet may be down too, and cell data is the only way to report or check restoration updates.
Reports tied to your address help crews map the size of an outage. If neighbors have also reported, your report still counts, because it helps confirm the area affected.
Keep your account number handy as well. Some utilities let you text or use an automated phone line that recognizes your account, which is quicker than waiting to speak with a person during a widespread storm.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
If you see a downed power line, stay far away, keep others back and call 911 right away. Treat every wire on the ground as live, even if it is not sparking. Do not touch anything in contact with it, including fences, puddles or vehicles.
After a monsoon storm, wind can bring down lines, tree limbs and even poles. The danger is not always obvious, because a live wire can look harmless and ground can carry current nearby.
Report the location to the utility after you have called 911, and wait for crews. Never try to move a line yourself, even with something you believe does not conduct.
How do I tell if the problem is just my home?
If neighbors still have power and only your home is dark, the cause is likely on your side of the meter. Check the main breaker and any tripped breakers. If they will not reset, or something smells burnt, call an electrician rather than the utility.
Look at the street. If streetlights and nearby homes are off, the outage is wider and the utility is the right contact. If everyone else is lit and you are not, the problem is yours.
A tripped main, a failed breaker, a damaged meter base or a burnt connection can all cut power to one home. Do not open the panel cover or attempt repairs yourself.
If you do call an electrician, mention what you already checked. It helps to say whether neighbors have power, whether the main breaker is on and whether you noticed any smell, noise or flicker before the lights went out.
What should I do while the power is out?
While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer closed, switch off sensitive electronics and major appliances, and keep a flashlight handy instead of candles. Leave one light on so you know when power returns, and stay cool or warm safely.
Surges can arrive when power returns, especially after a monsoon storm. Unplugging electronics and turning off the AC for a few minutes before restoration reduces strain on equipment. Whole house surge protection adds another layer.
If your outages are frequent or your AC trips every time power flickers, a licensed electrician can check your panel, wiring and protection. Vortech is open 24 hours per its Google profile; use the call button on this page.
More questions: Electrical Emergencies and Power Outages: 12 Most Asked Questions Answered