Outage Information

 

Northern Plains Cooperative does everything it can to avoid interruptions in your electric service.  We’re committed to delivering you the most reliable electrical power possible, and work towards finding and improving ways to achieve that goal.  However, there are situations beyond our control that may cause power outages – severe weather such as lightning storms, ice, small animals or birds, unforeseen equipment failures, vehicle accidents, and tree branches touching power lines to name a few.

When an outage does occur, we focus on restoring service interruptions as quickly and efficiently as possible without sacrificing safety.  Be assured it is our goal to minimize the frequency of outages and limit incidences to the smallest possible number.

“Call 1-800-882-2500 to Report Power Outages Do not report outages by email, SmartHub or social media accounts as those are not monitored 24/7”

Be Prepared for Storms!

Storm Checklist

If your lights go off during a storm, be prepared for the power outage. Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines fo rmilk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Have Plenty of Food

  • Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
  • Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
  • Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
  • Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Stay In Touch

  • Have a portable,battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
  • Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
  • Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
    Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Keep Things Going

  • Keep plenty of gas in your car.
  • Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

  • Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
  • Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.
  • Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
  • Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
  • Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
  • Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
  • Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
  • Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
  • Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
  • Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
  • Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).

When storms move through the area many people may be left without electric service. Crews from Northern Plains Electric Cooperative will work around the clock, according to safety regulations, to restore electric service to members as quickly as possible.