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What to Do If Your Power Goes Out

If you have a power outage, let us know so we can make repairs more efficiently.

Before You Contact Us 

  • Check that the power isn’t out because one of your breakers or fuses tripped. If everything seems OK, contact us.
  • Be prepared to provide the following information:
    • Your name
    • Address
    • Telephone number
    • Con Edison account number, if you have one
    • Exact location of any hazardous conditions, such as downed wires, broken or leaning utility poles, or trees leaning against poles or wires (please keep your distance from any hazardous conditions)
    • The names and addresses of anyone you know who uses life-support equipment 

How to Report a Service Problem

After You Contact Us

We’ll do our best to keep you up to date. You can see an estimate of when power will be restored by viewing our Outage Map. If you reported your problem by phone, we’ll give you a call with this estimate, and again when your service is restored.

While the Power Is Out

While waiting for power to be restored, be sure to:

  • Tune your battery-operated radio to local stations for updates about service restoration in your area. 
  • Use flashlights rather than candles or gas lanterns to minimize the risk of fire. 
  • Check on friends or neighbors who are elderly, disabled, or have special needs. Remember that elevators may not operate during an outage.
  • Turn off light switches and unplug appliances to prevent damage to the appliances when service is restored. Leave only a single lamp or radio turned on so you’ll know when power’s been restored. 
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Food will stay frozen for 24 to 48 hours with the doors closed. 
  • If your water service depends on electrical equipment, use bottled water until service is restored.
  • Do not go near downed power lines.
  • Never use generators or charcoal or gas grills indoors, because they can cause a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.
  • Use emergency generators safely. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only plug in recommended appliances into your portable generators.

Avoid an Estimated Bill

Meter readings may be canceled during and after storms. To avoid an estimated bill, learn how to submit your meter reading.

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By providing Con Edison with your phone number, you may receive phone calls from the company. These phone calls would relate to Con Edison services, including outages, billing, and payments. You can opt out at any time. In addition, if the phone provided is a cell phone, Con Edison may send you emergency text alerts. If you no longer wish to receive these text notifications, text STOP to OUTAGE (688243). Message and data rates may apply.