What to Do When the Power Goes Out
When you rely on something as much as electricity, it can be unnerving when your power goes out. So, what should you do?
Before reporting an outage
First, check to see if your neighbors' are out too.
Reset your GFCI outlets (the ones with the little reset button in the middle). These are usually found in kitchens, baths and laundry rooms.
Check your electrical panel to see if any circuits have tripped. In some cases, you may need to reset all your breakers by turning them off for about 15 seconds and then turning them back on.
Report the outage and receive updates
If you're a residential or small business customer, we'll text you if your power goes out, so you shouldn't need to report it. But if you don't get a text, you can still report outages. Just download our mobile app, report online 
or call:
Key tips for power outages
Avoid surges & overload risks
Here’s how you can prevent possible power-surge damage and avoid overloading the system when power is restored.
Turn on one outside and one inside light so you and PGE crews will know when service is restored.
Turn off major appliances at the breaker box and unplug other sensitive electrical equipment like TVs and computers.
If you have a backup generator and plan to use it, please review our tips for using generators safely.
Call PGE if your neighbor’s power comes back on but yours does not.
Call PGE and turn off the breaker if your lights are very dim or very bright once your power is restored.
Keep food cold
To keep food in your fridge and freezer cold, avoid opening doors as much as possible.
Add bagged or block ice, or move your food to a cooler with ice.
If it's below 40 degrees out, a cooler or box outside will also keep food cold.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for rising temperatures.
Check out other helpful info from FoodSafety.gov.
Stay safe at home
Important reminders
Carbon monoxide poisoning risks are real. Never use a charcoal grill or portable gas-powered generator inside your home, garage or carport.
Check on elderly or impaired neighbors, if possible, to see if they need help.
Know how to operate the manual release lever on your automatic garage door.
Here's how to open an automatic garage door when the power is out:
Warming shelter information
If you need a place to shelter from cold temperatures, go to 211info.org to find information by county.
What causes outages?
Learn more about why you may be experiencing an outage.
Plan for medical needs
Use medical life-support equipment? Have a plan in place and consider a backup generator in case of an extended power outage.