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To report a power outage call: 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212
Avoid Downed Power Lines
Always use extreme caution near wires and power lines—for your own safety, treat them as though they are live and deadly. Never touch downed power lines or anything coming in contact with fallen lines, and don't walk beneath overhead equipment, lines or wires. If you see a downed power line, keep everyone away and call us immediately at 1-800-465-1212.
If someone is being electrically shocked due to downed power lines, do not touch them. Call for rescue and/or emergency medical assistance (911) and notify us at 1-800-465-1212 immediately to report a life-threatening emergency.
In addition, please leave damaged poles alone. Handling or cutting utility poles—or burning them in your fireplace, woodstove or furnace—exposes you to the chemicals used to treat and preserve these poles.
Finally, if you see repair crews working on downed power lines, please drive carefully. Expect delays and use caution when driving near any repair crews working to restore your power.
How your power is restored:
Nationalgrid emergency crews work to repair live, downed lines first. Next repairs are made to main transmission facilities. This often restores power to thousands of customers. Repairs are then made to primary and secondary lines leading into neighborhoods. Circuits and transformers are the next to be repaired in your neighborhood. If service has been restored to your area, call nationalgrid at the above number to report an isolated problem.
What are the most common causes of outages?
- Car accidents, lightning, high winds and winter storms
Why might my neighbor have power when I don't?
- Homes are supplied on circuits, and you and your neighbor may be on different circuits
Why does the power sometimes come on then go off again?
- Sometimes as repairs are made, power goes out again due to problems in other areas that are fed by the line that was repaired.
If the power goes out, should I throw out all of the food in my refrigerator and freezer?
- Try to leave the refrigerator and freezer closed during the outage. Refrigerated food can stay cool for 6-9 hours and frozed food will stay safe for up to 24 hours.
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