
Outages
Power Outage Reporting
TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE, CALL DES AT (615) 446-9051 AND SELECT OPTION NUMBER #1.
DES works hard to maintain an extremely reliable and safe electric system in order to provide the best possible electric service to our customers and prevent unnecessary and inconvenient outages. Nevertheless, 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 or interference with the power lines. When these outages occur, we work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DES manage increased calls during an outage?
Does DES know when I have lost power?
What are Dickson Electric’s priorities for restoring service?
A DES truck just drove by my house without stopping. Why?
If my power goes out, what should I check?
Why does my neighbor have power and I do not?
Who do I call if electrical wires have been pulled away from my house?
Do elected officials, employees, or other important individuals get special attention?
Is power automatically shut off during a tornado or other major storm?
How can I tell if a downed power line is still carrying electricity?
What do I do if I have special medical needs?
*Documentation of special medical needs will not prevent DES from disconnecting your power if you fail to pay your bill, nor does it change our service restoring priorities outlined above.
Are there safety concerns in using a portable generator?
Who do I call if a tree falls on or near a power line?
How long does food last after my power goes out?
To learn more about making the right decisions to keep your family safe during an emergency, visit
How can I best prepare for unforeseen power outages?
DES recommends making an “Emergency Kit” to keep on-hand in case electric, gas, or water service is interrupted. An Emergency Kit could include:
- Bottled water (for each family member and any pets)
- Canned food (at least a three-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
- Diapers
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Cell phone, keys
- Comfort items such as pillows, blankets, toys, games
- Important family documents (social security cards, insurance cards/forms, etc.)
- Pet supplies (food, water, medicines, crate or other pet carrier, sanitation items such as litter box or newspapers, paper towels, trash bags, etc.)
To find out more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.
How do I report a street light problem?
Call DES at (615) 446-9051.
