Outages

It’s important that you let us know when your power is out. This helps us determine the size and scope of an outage, and the safest, fastest way to restore power.  

Outage Map
Report Outage

be prepared

While you can’t always prevent an outage, there are steps you can take to prepare. Learn how to stay safe and comfortable during a power outage.

Before

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There are steps you can take to prepare for an extended outage that will allow you and your family to weather the storm more comfortably.

During

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During an outage it is important to follow any instructions you get from state and local officials.

After

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It is important to stay alert even after power has been restored, as the storm may have unseen impacts on your electrical service and infrastructure.
Tap
Report via SmartHub App

SmartHub is your NHEC online account manager and is the fastest most efficient way to report an outage. SmartHub not only allows you to report an outage, you can use the app to sign up for real time updates on power restorations. Download the SmartHub app for pc or mobile and use the outage reporting feature.

Text OUT to 8559603075 

Once you’ve reported your outage, text STATUS to 8559603075 to see if a restoration time has been assigned or changed. To use this feature, you must create a SmartHub account and provide a cell phone number. 

Call 1-800-343-6432 

While reporting through SmartHub and staying up to date through texts are the fastest ways to send or receive information, the NHEC Control Center is staffed 24/7/365 and our Member Solutions representatives are always happy to help. 

How We Restore Power

When a severe storm strikes and a large number of our membership loses power, our goals are to, first and foremost, protect public safety and restore power to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible. We also strive to provide you with accurate information about when your power will be restored. Our process for restoring power is: 
  1. The substation and the main distribution line from the substation must be repaired first. 
  2. Next, crews repair the lines that bring power to the greatest number of members. 
  3. After larger pockets of members have power, crews repair service lines to individual homes. 
Estimated Times of Restoration 
NHEC will provide Estimated Times of Restoration (ETRs) by outage once a line crew is on scene and has been able to assess damage to poles and wires. In large storms with widespread damage, this process can take up to 48 hours. 

Vegetation Management

NHEC is responsible for maintaining the “rights-of-way” where power lines are located. Trees and vegetation in close proximity to the electric system are the leading cause of power outages. To keep our electrical distribution system as safe and reliable as possible, we are continually maintaining the spaces occupied by our 5,500 miles of energized line. Learn more about our Vegetation Management programs below.

Underground Line Safety

Call DigSafe at 811 BEFORE You Dig

Even a small job like planting a tree can lead to trouble if there’s a buried electric line where you’re digging. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, a safe job starts with a call to DigSafe at 811. DigSafe is a a free, state-mandated service that connects property owners and contractors with utility companies to help prevent damage to underground utility lines. State law requires you to notify DigSafe for even small projects. The depth of utility lines vary, and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Call 811 to avoid utility service disruption to an entire neighborhood, harm to you and those around you, as well as fines and repair costs. DigSafe is the law!

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