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Power outages can happen anytime and disrupt daily life, but unfortunately, they’re unavoidable in many circumstances. For Central Texas residents served by Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), staying informed and prepared is crucial. Learning to use PEC’s outage map and report new outages to the electricity provider can help customers track and manage their power interruptions effectively.
Which Areas Does PEC Serve?
PEC is the largest electric cooperative in the United States. It serves 8,100 square miles of Central Texas and more than 1 million residents. Within its service area are 24 counties, including large cities like Austin, Kyle, Cedar Park, and Marble Falls. PEC’s extensive coverage delivers reliable electricity to a massive and growing population throughout Lonestar State, but sometimes, power outages happen.
How To Use the PEC Outage Map
PEC offers a digital outage map through its website, where customers can find real-time information about current or upcoming planned blackouts. Here’s how to use this user-friendly tool to stay informed and respond appropriately to electric supply interruptions.
Access the Map
To view the map, go to www.map.pec.coop. It’s updated every 10 minutes with new information about outages, including affected areas and expected restoration times.
Navigate the Map
On the map page, you’ll see details about current outages, with colored icons representing the number of electric meters affected. You can zoom in further to see specific areas or search a zip code or exact address to check the status of your home or a particular location.
Check Out the Details
If you click on an outage icon, you’ll see more detailed information, including the type of outage, its current status, and the estimated restoration time. With details updated every ten minutes, this is the best place to find transparent information about the progress of restoration work.
How To Report a PEC Power Outage
If you experience a loss of power, check the PEC outage map immediately to see if the outage has already been reported. If not, report it promptly to give PEC the necessary information to address the issue. You have several routes to report a blackout:
Via Text
You can text “outage” to 25022 using the phone number tied to your PEC customer account. This is a quick and convenient way to report an issue immediately.
Via Phone
Alternatively, you may call PEC’s dedicated outage reporting line at 888-883-3379. An automated system will receive your call and route your information directly to local service crews for a fast response.
Via SmartHub
If you’re viewing the PEC outage map online, you can report an outage by logging in to your SmartHub account through the website. You can also use the SmartHub mobile app.
With three ways to report, it’s easy to quickly alert PEC of a power shortage to avoid restoration delays.
How To Prepare for a Central Texas Power Outage
The best way to minimize the impact of power outages is to remain prepared. Here are a few steps you can take to stay empowered during a blackout and ensure your home energy security:
Build an Emergency Kit
Assemble an emergency kit for power losses, including essentials like flashlights and extra batteries, clean drinking water, nonperishable goods, vital medications, and first-aid supplies. Don’t scramble to find these items when the power goes out; have them readily available.
Invest in an Emergency Power Supply
Your strongest defense against unexpected power losses is an emergency power supply. The EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, are ideal for outages lasting several hours to a day or two. For extended outages, consider investing in something with energy generation capabilities, like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W).
Stay Informed
Knowing what kind of blackout you’re in and when the power will be restored provides peace of mind. Keep your contact information up to date with PEC and sign up for alerts and updates. You may be contacted with details relating to upcoming rolling blackouts, whether you’re in a blackout or brownout, or estimated time of power restoration.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t avoid power outages entirely, you can stay prepared and informed to lessen their impact and respond appropriately. Keeping PEC’s outage map saved as a favorite link or downloading the SmartHub app will allow you to quickly view outage information and report a blackout.
While riding out a blackout, you can make the time more comfortable with a backup power solution like EcoFlow Portable Power Stations (ideal for short outages) or EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators (helpful during extended blackouts). These allow you to run essential appliances and devices until grid power is restored.