Power Outage Information

In the event of a power outage, information will be posted as it becomes available.

There is no outage information at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Power Outages, Richmond Power & Lights response procedures, and what the Customer should do:

EMERGENCY OUTAGE NUMBER:   (765) 973-7200

What Information is helpful to RP&L when Reporting an Outage?

• Your address
• A contact phone number
• Do you have partial power
• Do your neighbors have power
• Do you see a line down (NEVER touch a downed power line)
• Did you hear any loud noises or see sparks coming from a transformer, etc.

How do I get updates regarding the outage? 
Richmond Power & Light will update their customers by the local radio stations every two to four hours.  Stay tuned for new ways RP&L is trying to get outage information to their customers.    

How does RP&L Restore Power?
When a widespread outage occurs causing extensive damage, Richmond Power & Light focuses on ways to return power to the greatest number of customers as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible.  

Richmond Power & Light prioritizes the outage and puts emphasis on vital public health and safety facilities such as hospitals, law enforcements, fire departments, and water pumping stations.  Efforts to restore power to these facilities are essential to protect health and safety to the community. 

Richmond Power & Light’s typical restoration process includes the following:

• Transmission Lines:  These lines deliver electricity from the power plant to the substations.

• Main Distribution Lines or “Primary Lines”:  delivering electricity to large subdivision and commercial areas.

• Local Distribution Lines:  installed either overhead or underground, deliver electricity to neighborhoods and businesses.

• Distribution Transformers and Service Lines:  these lines deliver electricity to your home or business either overhead or underground.

Outages are divided into “quadrants” (e.g., NW, SW, NE, SE) where crews are assigned – depending on the “path” of the storm some quadrants could experience a longer outage. 

Tree trimmers precede power crews in a restoration effort. The tree trimmers may leave after clearing the tree, but the power crews still need to fix the lines.  Please note that Richmond Power & Light does NOT remove limbs from storm damage.  This is the Customer’s Responsibility. 

Why is My Neighbors Power On But My Power is Still Out?
Sometimes, you may notice that your neighbor’s lights come back on while you are still without power.  There may be several reasons for that.  Not all circuits are restored at the same time.  Different circuits may serve different parts of your neighborhood.

If your neighbors have power and you don’t please call (765) 973-7200 – don’t assume that someone else will call. 

If the meter box is pulled away and you have power you should contact an electrician to reattach the meter box. 

The Service Connection to Your House is damaged – Who’s Responsible?

Richmond Power & Light maintains the service from the pole to the weatherhead (see photo). 

Customers living in mobile homes are responsible for the service pole and for the service line that leads from your service pole to the meter.

Things to try when an outage affects your home

• Check your fuse box or circuit breaker.
• If fuses have blown or circuits have tripped off, turn off or unplug the appliances or equipment on that circuit and replace the fuses or reset the breaker.
• If power is not restored, contact RP&L at (765) 973-7200.

PORTABLE GENERATORS: 

A portable generator connected to your home’s wiring system MUST have a double throw switch that disconnects the generator and your home from Richmond Power & Light’s power system.  A generator can be very useful during a power outage, but remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. 

SAFETY AROUND POWER LINES

• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines and DO NOT TOUCH anything that is on or near a power line.
• Keep Children and pets away from areas where lines have fallen.
• If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car.  If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet.  Be sure that NO part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
• Report all power line hazards to Richmond Power & Light or emergency agencies. 

Helpful Hints During an Outage:

• Continue to monitor for important information and updates.
• Consider checking on others who may benefit from your assistance.
• Consider all DOWNED POWER LINES and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS.
• Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than necessary.  Opening will allow food to thaw more quickly.
• Turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible.  The will reduce the potential for damage or fire.  After service has been restored wait 5 – 10 minutes before turning them back on.