Outages occur for a number of reasons. In the event of a large or wide-spread outage, we prioritize repairs in order to get the largest number of members back on first.

• First, we check and repair any damaged transmission lines. These are the lines that bring power to our electrical system.
   
• Equipment or line repairs at substations will be done next in order to transfer power from transmission lines to the main distribution lines throughout our service area.
   
• After the substations are repaired, we turn our attention to our main distribution lines, and then to tap lines, which carry electricity from the main distribution lines to smaller groups of members.
   
• Once all distribution lines and tap lines are repaired, we begin working on service lines, which typically bring power to only one or two locations.

Restoring power during inclement weather or after a large accident can be a big job. Kay Electric maintains a 24-hour, 365 day-a-year dispatch center so if you should lose power, be assured we’re working as quickly as possible to get your lights back on.

A "power blink" is when your lights appear to flicker for just a split second up to a few seconds. Power blinks occur when an object, such as a tree limb, comes into contact with a power line or other equipment. To prevent an extended outage, damage to the line or your home, a "recloser" will sense a change in current caused by the obstruction and briefly interrupt electricity for a fraction of a second. There is no need to report power blinks. 

Occasionally during an outage, your power may temporarily go out after being restored. In these situations, it usually means linemen are working on a power line or other electrical equipment in order to restore power to other members. 

To ensure we are aware of your outage, please call Kay Electric at 800-535-1079, or login online to report your outage. Please do not assume that someone else has reported your outage. By letting us know when you experience an outage, you help our crews restore your service more quickly.

Before calling to report an outage, check your home’s breaker panel (and any outdoor disconnects) to make sure the outage is not due to a tripped breaker. Check to see if your neighbors are also out of power. This will help you determine if the problem exists within your home, or on Kay Electric’s system.

If you determine the problem is outside of your home, report your outage to Kay Electric.

Login online, or call 800-535-1079.

You will need the following information available when you call:

• name on the account
• account number or phone number on the account
• any details related to the outage

Please let us know if you heard a loud bang, saw damaged equipment or if your neighbors have power, but you do not.

The outage restoration process begins at the point where power feeds into Kay Electric’s system. This could be at a substation, transmission line or a main distribution line. After these repairs have been made, crews work on remaining outages and correct the trouble, beginning with areas serving the greatest number of members and continuing until electricity is restored to each member’s home.

If you see a Kay Electric service crew passing but not stopping, it is because work must first be performed at a nearby location or device before electric service can be restored to your home. Following the outage restoration process ensures all members have their power restored as quickly and safely as possible.

On occasion, your power may go out while your neighbor's power remains on. There are a couple reasons this could happen. Remember to check for a tripped breaker or other electrical problems to rule out an outage caused by something in your home. Your neighbor may also be receiving their electricity from a different power line or substation.

Kay Electric maintains a list of members who have medical need who have a yearly signed medical form on file.  Kay Electric will give these members priority in the restoration of their electric service whenever it is reasonably possible to do so.

It is important to remember that extensive damage to our electric system could take numerous hours, or even several days, to completely repair. Members who must have electricity should be prepared with an emergency backup plan. The plan could include arrangements to move to an alternative location, use of a portable generator and/or installation of a battery backup on important electrical devices.

Each outage is a result of different circumstances, and some may take longer to identify and restore than others. As a result, outage restoration information may not be immediately available.

In some sectors of our service territory, lineman must physically walk through remote territory to investigate the cause of an outage, which can be time consuming. Kay Electric provides updates on the status of outages on our Facebook page which can also be found on our website. 

Consider all fallen wires to be energized, regardless of whether or not they appear to be safe. Report the fallen power line to Kay Electric immediately. Make sure your children, pets and neighbors stay away from the power line and any objects it may be touching.

Kay Electric recommends having an emergency kit on hand so you are ready for any emergency. Include items like a portable radio, batteries, corded phone and a flashlight. Store this kit in a designated place so it is easy to find.

How do I protect appliances in my house? A lighting strike or downed power line can send a surge of electricity through your home, potentially damaging appliances. Computers, TV’s and other electronic equipment are expensive investments that are worthy of protecting from storm-related damage. Surge protectors provide a defense against power spikes and surges.  During an electrical storm, it’s always best to disconnect/unplug items to protect them.

To minimize the loss of food during a power outage, limit the number of times you open your refrigerator or freezer door. If the doors remain closed, refrigerated food can remain safely cold for about four hours; frozen food can remain safe for two days if the freezer is full and the doors remain closed. Learn more about food safety in a power outage by viewing the American Red Cross’s Food Safety web page.

A generator can be a wonderful tool during an outage, especially if you have special medical needs and require electricity. But, it can also be extremely dangerous if used improperly. Be aware that it’s against the law, and a violation of electrical codes, to connect a generator to your home’s electrical circuits without a generator transfer switch automatic-interrupt device. Otherwise, if a generator is online when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home’s electrical circuits may endanger service crews helping to restore power in your area.  Read more generator safety tips here.

Visit Kay Electric’s Generator tab to learn more about whole home generators and how to purchase.