To report an outage, call
1-800-448-2383
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During severe weather or widespread outages, stay in-the-know through our
Outage Information Map, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts.
We strive to keep you informed and "connected" in the event of severe weather, outage, or emergency. Find information below on how to prepare for a storm or emergency, including safety tips and restoration procedures. Also, look below for quick access to the latest regional and national weather information and links to federal assistance organizations.
How to Report an Outage
To report power outages, call PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383.
You can also download our mobile app and report your outage.
Have an outage? Text us!
Sign up for outage texting by texting the word START to 70216 (must use a mobile number listed on your account). Once you're signed up, text OUT to 70216 to report an outage.
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Safety Around Downed Power Lines
Downed power lines can still be energized — and therefore dangerous. If you see a downed power line, please call your local district office immediately. You can also report downed power lines by calling Blue Ridge Energy at 1-800-451-5474 and speak to a member representative.
Be Prepared…
Be prepared for bad weather and informed on restoration procedures by reviewing the following:
Before a Storm
Although Blue Ridge Energy works hard to keep the power on for its members, severe weather conditions or other unusual circumstances that cause damage to poles and lines can sometimes put us in the dark. You'll be safer and less inconvenienced if you have the following emergency supplies on hand in a convenient location:
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Matches
- Firewood and kindling
- Propane grill (in well ventilated area)
- Charcoal grill with charcoal and lighter
(in well ventilated area)
- Manual can opener
- Non-perishable food
- Radio with fresh battery
- Blankets, sleeping bags, quilts
- Wind-up or battery operated clock
- Paper plates and plastic utensils
- Gallon jugs filled with water for drinking and cooking
- Formula and extra diapers for babies
- Thermos for keeping drinks and baby formula warm
In addition, the cooperative suggests people fill their bathtubs with water that can be used to flush commodes. People should also keep blankets over freezers and refrigerators to help insulate them in the event of an extended outage.
To report power outages, call PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383.
You can also download our mobile app and report your outage.
Or, contact your local Blue Ridge Energy office at any of the following numbers:
Alleghany
337-372-4646
Ashe
336-846-7138
Caldwell
828-758-2383
Watauga
828-264-8894
Wilkes
1-800-451-5474
After the Storm
When severe weather causes power outages, employees of Blue Ridge Energy immediately begin working to restore power to as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. Serviced first are primary lines serving hundreds and sometimes thousands of customers. Medical facilities and individuals on life-support systems are given top priority during outages.
When your lights go out, check with your neighbors to learn if they are also in the dark. If they're not, check your fuse box or circuit breaker to see if you can locate the problem.
Powerline graphic If the outage has affected your neighbors, call your local Blue Ridge Energy office or the cooperative's automated outage reporting system known as PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383.
Power outages that occur in severe weather, or that last for an extended period of time, can place a heavy burden on the system at the moment the power is restored. To prevent an overload on the system and possibly another outage, take these steps:
- Turn off every inside light except one.
- Turn down your thermostat.
- In cold weather, close windows and drapes to save heat. Pick one room on the warm side of the house and use blankets to insulate the windows.
- If the outage lasts over 60 minutes, turn off the electric water heater.
- Make sure your kitchen range is off, both the surface and the oven. Never use it as a substitute for your heater.
- Turn off all unnecessary appliances.
- Avoid opening the freezer door. For more information about food safety during and after a power outage, call the county office of the N.C.
- Cooperative Extension Service.
- If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY! Immediately go to a safe place and call your local Blue Ridge Electric office.
- When power comes back on, slowly switch appliances and lights back on and gradually return your thermostat to its normal setting.
Call us at 828-758-2383 or contact us to ask for the free brochure "After the Storm" for more information about how your electric cooperative restores power during an outage.
Food Safety and Power Outages…
24/7 Food Safety Hotline: 1-888-764-6854
USDA offers the following recommendations for maintaining food safety while the power is out.
- Never taste a food to determine its safety!
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperatures.
- Each time the door is opened, a significant amount of cold air is lost.
- The refrigerator will keep food cold safely for about four hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed.)
- Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40° F or below.
- Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for two days.
- If the power has been out for several days then check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance thermometer or food thermometer. If the food still contains ice crystals or is at 40° F or below then the food is safe.
- If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer then check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals then the food is safe.
- Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after four hours without power.
- When in Doubt, Throw it Out!