TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE   1-800-733-8430

The most frequent cause of power outages on the VEMCO system are lightning strikes, storms and high wind, fallen trees on the lines, ice, vehicle-pole collisions, and animals (birds, squirrels, snakes, and even insects). If the threat of severe weather is stirring --
whether it be a summer thunderstorm or a winter ice storm -- VEMCO is prepared with 
crews on stand-by. We realize that power outages can be widespread and of long
duration. 

VEMCO line crews work diligently to pinpoint the cause of outages and make repairs,
but it sometimes takes hours to restore service to all circuits and lines. We tackle the
problems from the substations out, checking the three-phase circuits and finally the
single-phase lines. It is sometimes possible to "isolate" the problem area and "back feed" areas around it to get the lights back on to the largest number of members. But, the line crews still have to repair the damaged lines or poles. 

This is why, during a major, widespread outage, service can often be restored on one 
side of the road while neighbors across the road may still be in the dark. 
PLEASE BE PATIENT! VEMCO workers will have the system back in normal operation as soon as possible. 

During major outages of longer duration that unfortunately affect hundreds or thousands
of members, the outage reporting phone lines can become overloaded. Again, be patient and try to place your call again if unsuccessful in your first attempt.    

2. During a storm, lightning strikes or wind can sometimes cause the nearest line fuse to your service to open (or blow). If your neighbors have power but you don't - and you are certain the problem in not on your side of the meter - it may be that your transformer fuse has opened. Please inform the dispatcher when you call about the situation and give all details available to you. 

3. The VEMCO electric distribution system is designed to protect against faults.  If a tree or limb blows into a line or circuit, the system's protective devices will operate, giving time for the fault to clear. Then, the protective device will reopen to "see" if the fault has cleared itself. If the fault does not clear itself, the protective devices will remain closed and the power shut off until the problem is isolated and repaired. This results in a general outage.
  
4. While waiting for power restoration - especially after a severe storm - go through your house and turn off appliances and light switches and especially heating and air conditioning systems. When the electricity is restored, turn your lights and appliances back on. 

5. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during a power outage. The food inside should remain cold for up to 72 hours in the winter but much less in the summer. 

6. If you operate a portable or backup generator during a power outage, be sure to connect the generator in a safe manner that ensures electricity cannot back feed on the VEMCO lines.  Every year in the United States, electric lineman are seriously injured or killed from electrocution due to generator back feeds. You may be personally liable for such accidents. Call VEMCO for rules and regulations on how to safely wire a generator at your home or business.  

7. Under no circumstances should you approach downed power lines or poles. Treat all VEMCO electric equipment as if it is fully energized. Never try to clear limbs or brush from lines. Never try to extricate people from vehicles on which power lines have fallen. Stay away! Notify 911 or an appropriate emergency agency. VEMCO linemen will be dispatched immediately. 

8. In the aftermath of a severe storm, especially when high winds occur, check your meter base, service entry, and weather head. VEMCO cannot repair damage on your side of the electric meter. You will need to call a certified electrician. Repairing this type damage will effect when your power can be restored. If the situation in unsafe, a VEMCO lineman will disconnect our facilities until the problem is repaired on your side of the meter.