Outages

Power Outage Reporting

  • To report a power outage, call DES at (615) 446-9051 and select option number #1.
  • If you are already registered with us, simply text “out” to 877-443-2333 to report an outage, or text “status” to receive updates on the situation.
  • Visit our Outage Map for real-time outage information and updates

Commitment to Reliable & Safe Electric System

  • We provide optimal electric service to customers
  • Our efforts are aimed towards preventing unnecessary and inconvenient outages

Causes of Power Loss

Occasionally our customers will experience a loss of power for a variety of reasons, most of which are beyond our control such as:

  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Interference with power infrastructure

When these outages occur, we work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible.

Power Restoration Safety Tips

Safety Tips During Power Restoration. Avoid power lines and wires that are sparking, even if you are in a vehicle. If you see sparking wires, call 911. Keep children away from electrical equipment and power lines. Do not sure a power inlet box and transfer switch to connect to your home wiring. Do use extension cords to connect electrical devices directly to your generator. Do not connect your generator directly to your home's wiring. Do not plug your generator into a regular household outlet or socket. If you see utility trucks in your neighborhood, turn off your generator to keep technicians safe while they work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DES know when I have lost power?
  • With our new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in place, DES is alerted of power outages in our system as soon as they occur.
  • We still encourage customers to call and report a power outage.

To report an outage, call (615) 446-9051 and select option #1.

What are Dickson Electric’s priorities for restoring service?
  • Hospitals, police, fire, and safety facilities come first
  • Outages ranked by the number of affected customers
  • Ensuring vital services remain operational
  • Efficient allocation of resources for restoration

Please be patient with us during our power restoration efforts. During outages, we are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore your electric service.

A DES truck just drove by my house without stopping. Why?

Strategic Power Restoration Approach

  • Initiating restoration from the substation
  • Progressing towards individual homes and businesses

Restoration Process

  1. Main distribution lines restoration
  2. Focus on repairing feeders or taps (Restoring power to the highest number of customers)
  3. Concentrating on pockets of customers' outages
  4. Addressing individual homes and businesses' issues
If my power goes out, what should I check?

Check Circuit Breakers & Fuses

  • Verify if the issue is isolated within your property
  • Inspect circuit breakers or fuses for tripping

Assess Neighbors' Power Status

  • Determine if neighbors are also experiencing outages
  • Gather information on the scope of the issue

Meter Examination

  • Inspect your meter and associated wires
  • Look for signs of damage or issues

If you do not find any problems, call us at (615) 446-9051 to report the outage.

Professional Electrician Assistance

Call Certified Electrician if Damage is Detected if meter box or wires appear damaged. Repairs may be necessary before DES can reconnect power.

Why does my neighbor have power and I do not?

Service Line Damage

  • Damage limited to your service line only.
  • Does not impact your neighbor's electricity supply.

Complex DES Circuits

  • DES circuits can have intricate feeds
  • Neighbor's home may be on a separate circuit

Multiple Phases & Service Distribution

  • Up to 3 different phases on your pole
  • Neighbors might receive service from a different phase
Who do I call if electrical wires have been pulled away from my house?

Dickson Electric Responsibilities

  • Responsible for delivering power up to your home's connection point.
  • Handles service delivery from the grid to the meter.

Homeowner Responsibilities

  • Responsible for repairs from the meter into your home
  • Wiring repairs located in the Weatherhead.

Repairs for Disconnected Service

If service has been pulled away from your house:

  • Qualified electrician required for repairs.
  • Repairs must be completed before power can be restored.
Is power automatically shut off during a tornado or other major storm?

No. Power will not turn off.

Power Shutdown Authorization

  • DES (Dickson Electric System) will not turn off power unless instructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
  • In certain situations, power shutdown might also be directed by emergency management authorities.

DES prioritizes safety

  • Service restoration will not be attempted until conditions improve.
  • This policy ensures the safety of both personnel and customers.
How can I tell if a downed power line is still carrying electricity?
  • Treat any line as energized and potentially live.
  • Avoid approaching or going near downed power lines.
  • Electrocution is a significant danger during stormy weather.
  • It's crucial to exercise caution around wires and cables.
  • Teach children about the hazards of power lines.
  • Instruct them to stay away from all wires and cables.
  • Always assume downed power lines are live and dangerous.
  • Report any downed power lines to DES at (615) 446-9051.
What do I do if I have special medical needs?

Notification & Documentation

  • If you or a family member relies on a life-sustaining medical device, call DES at (615) 446-9051.
  • Collect necessary documentation for our records.
  • Collected documentation allows DES to notify you about planned power shutdowns for equipment repairs.
  • Ensures preparedness for potential service interruptions.

Impact of Severe Weather on Repairs

If your life depends on electricity, it is important to have an emergency backup plan in place for such situations.

  • Severe weather can cause extensive electrical system damage.
  • Repairing such damage might take days to complete.

Special Medical Needs & Service Disconnection

  • Documented medical needs won't prevent power disconnection for unpaid bills.
  • DES's service-restoring priorities remain unchanged, as outlined above.
Are there safety concerns in using a portable generator?

Yes. There are safety concerns when using a portable generator.

Generator Location & Ventilation

  • Never operate a generator inside your home.
  • Place the generator outside for proper ventilation.

Direct Appliance Connection

  • Do not plug the generator into an electrical outlet.
  • Plug appliances directly into the generator.
  • Use extension cords only when necessary.

Generator Wattage & Appliance Load

  • The number of appliances a generator can safely power depends on its rated wattage.
  • Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for proper use and load.

Main Electric Panel Connection

  • Only a licensed electrician should connect a generator to the main electric panel of your home or business.
  • Improper connection can result in "back feed" into utility lines, posing safety hazards.
Who do I call if a tree falls on or near a power line?

If a tree or limb falls on or near a power line, do not attempt to handle it yourself.

Reporting Trees or Limbs

  • To report trees or limbs near power lines, call (615) 441-6343.
  • Promptly notify us to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Reporting Outages Caused by Trees

  • If trees or limbs result in a power outage, report it by calling (615) 446-9051.
  • Select option #1 to report the outage and receive assistance from our team.
How long does food last after my power goes out?

Freezer Storage Duration

  • Fully-stocked freezer: Food remains cold for up to 48 hours (2 days) after power loss.
  • Half-full freezer: Food stays frozen for around 24 hours (1 day).

Refrigerator Storage Duration

Unopened refrigerator: Food remains safely cold for about 4 hours after power outage.

Temperature Check After Power Restoration

  • Check the temperature inside your fridge once power is restored.
  • Fridge should be at or below 40º Fahrenheit; freezer at or below 0º Fahrenheit.

To learn more about making the right decisions to keep your family safe during an emergency, visit A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes Article

.

How can I best prepare for unforeseen power outages?

DES acknowledges inconveniences caused by power outages and strives to minimize unnecessary interruptions. However, outages are inevitable, and proactive planning is encouraged.

Create an "Emergency Kit"

  • DES recommends preparing an "Emergency Kit" for potential service interruptions.
  • The kit should include essential items to sustain your household during an outage.

Recommended Contents for an Emergency Kit

  • Bottled water (for each family member and pets).
  • Canned food for at least a 3-day supply.
  • Prescription medications.
  • Flashlight with batteries.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
  • NOAA Weather Radio with tone alerts.
  • Extra batteries.
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (gas, water lines).
  • Manual can opener.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Baby food/formula and diapers.
  • Sanitation supplies: moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties.
  • Personal items: cell phone, keys.
  • Comfort items: pillows, blankets, toys, games.
  • Important family documents: social security cards, insurance cards/forms, etc.
  • Pet supplies: food, water, medicines, crate or carrier, sanitation items.

Additional Resources

  • Visit the Ready Website for more information on emergency preparedness.
  • Contact 1-800-BE-READY for assistance and guidance