What is a Repair Outage?

Unexpected events give rise to repair outages. Whether it’s a car crashing into a utility pole, high temperatures causing energy demand to overload power lines and transformers, severe weather, earthquakes, or something as simple as a metallic balloon caught in a line, an outage may occur. Whatever the cause, preparation helps your family stay safe and comfortable while we restore your power as quickly and safely as possible.

Visit our Outage Map to see if the power in your neighborhood is shut off due to a repair outage.

Common Repair Outage Causes:

• Traffic accidents: Power lines can be damaged when cars crash into utility poles
• High temperatures: Heavy use of air conditioning can overload power lines and transformers
• Severe weather: Heavy rains or high winds can damage power lines
• Natural disasters: Earthquakes and fires can damage power equipment and networks
• Metallic balloon Outages: Incidents have nearly doubled within the last five years

Preparing for a Repair Outage

A little preparation can keep your family safe and comfortable during a repair outage. A good start is to register at sce.com/outagealerts to receive text outage alerts. You may also choose to be notified by email or automated phone call. Stay informed by visiting our online Outage Center at sce.com/outage. 

• Place flashlights in handy locations and test them regularly to ensure they’re in working order. Keep a supply of fresh batteries.
• Save important phone numbers (fire department, police, hospital) near the phone and on your mobile device.
• Have alternative charging methods available for mobile phones.
• Learn how to manually open any automatic doors, gates, and security access entrances, including those requiring card access.
• Keep refrigerated units and freezer doors closed to help keep food cool.