We Energy Outage Map (2024)

FAQs

Can I shower when the power is out? ›

The short answer is no, it's probably not the best idea to jump in the shower as storms roll through. In fact, if there's lightning involved, you'll want to avoid any activities that use water from your home's pipes.

Check status or report outage

Check your electric service status or report an outage online – or call 800-662-4797. Note: We cannot accept text messages or email for outages or emergencies.

Massive power outages are often left in the wake of natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, landslides and wildfires. At times, natural disasters may also prompt preemptive power shutoffs by a utility company, such as when high winds threaten to fuel wildfires.

To avoid a power outage, use backup systems like a portable generator, portable power station, UPS system, backup generator, or solar power system with battery backup. Common causes of power outages include storms, trees, vehicle collisions, earthquakes, animals, lightning, excavation digging, and high power demand.

Depending on the amount of water remaining in the pipes, you might be able to flush your toilet several times while the power is out. Eventually, however, your tank won't fill up anymore because the pumps are down. When this happens, you will need to flush your toilet manually by pouring in a bucket of water.

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

Although it is illegal for your Wisconsin utility company to shut off your utilities during the winter season from November 1st – April 15th, you risk disconnection if you cannot pay your current bill, plus your overdue amount, in full by April 15th.

We Energies is the trade name of Wisconsin Electric Power Co.

What exacerbates this situation is the monopoly status enjoyed by We Energies, which shields them from competition and guarantees them a rate of return. This lack of competition limits consumers' ability to seek out more affordable alternatives, leaving them at the mercy of these continual price hikes.

Outages typically last 1-2 hours.

Which state has the most power outages? ›

The U.S. States with the Most and Least Power Outages

With the most annual power outages, Maine is surely left in the dark. The Pine Tree State tops the list with an average of 4.35 power outages every year, a stark increase above the national average of 1.62 per year.

Squirrels. Responsible for the greatest number of substation outages across the U.S., squirrels enter substations in search of shelter and warmth—and possess the instinct to remember the best nesting sites.

Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored. Wait a few minutes before turning on these appliances when the electricity is restored.

Turn off and unplug small appliances

Televisions, computer equipment, game consoles, fans, lights and all other smaller appliances should be unplugged, especially if they were in use when the power went out. Larger appliances, such as refrigerators, should not be unplugged.

Wool blankets are the best for staying warm, and keeping your head covered with a hat will help as well. Sleeping Bags – Blankets are good for on the couch, but at night, you'll want to sleep in a good-quality sleeping bag to trap all that body heat right where it belongs.

During a power outage, many plumbing appliances in your home, such as toilets, sinks, and showers, can still be used thanks to gravity-based water systems. However, it's important to be mindful of the limited supply of water in your pipes and tanks.

All water heaters use electricity for some of their functions. Natural gas based water heaters generate their own electricity, but electricity-based water heaters must have the power supplied. No power means no hot water. If you have heated water in a tank, it may stay warm for a little while after the power goes out.

Toilets are not electrical,so yes you can. If the water pressure is good enough then you can flush the toilet even in a power outage. Even if the toilet uses a pump, you can usually flush it manually by pouring water into the bowl, though this may not work for a below grade toilet.

Home wells rely on electrically operated pumps to bring the well water to the surface and into your house. No electricity means no shower. If you use a tankless hot water heater, either electrical or gas-operated, you have the same problem – no hot water reserve.