Reporting Outages

452-GVEA

At GVEA, we strive to provide electric service to you 24 hours a day and are proud of our record. However, uncontrollable situations such as damaged lines or equipment due to weather, vandalism or even vehicle accidents can result in power failures. Whatever the cause, the result is frustrating and inconvenient. That's when it's important for you personally to be prepared for any power outage.

Before the power goes off, it's a good idea to gather together a few supplies for an "outage/emergency preparedness kit."

For extended power outages, emergency heating or power supply equipment and an adequate fuel supply may be needed. If a member in your household is dependent on life-support equipment, please notify our Member Services Department.

If Your Lights Go Out . . .

• Check your fuses or circuit breakers and reset your main breaker located at the meter. Keep extra fuses on hand.
• Check with your neighbors to see if they have electricity.
• Call GVEA at 452-GVEA to report an isolated outage.
• Turn on your porch light. This way our crews will know when power has been restored.
• Turn off and unplug sensitive equipment such as computers and video cassette recorders. Equipment with motors, such as refrigerators and furnaces, should also be turned off. Once the power has been restored and has stabilized, you may safely turn on your equipment. Remember, it's your responsibility to protect your sensitive equipment by installing surge protectors and uninterruptible power sources where required. Contact our energy efficiency specialist at 451-5607.

When Reporting an Outage, Please Provide:

• Member's name, phone number and service location.
• Time power went off.
• Any unusual circumstances, such as broken wires, trees on the line, flashes of light or loud "bangs."

NOTE: The more information we receive from our members, the faster we can identify and correct the cause of the power outage.

GVEA's outage phones are manned 24 hours a day, but our phone lines get very busy during wide-spread outages. If there is an area-wide outage, we will know about it instantly and usually can restore service within 30 minutes. If your service is not restored within 30 minutes or yours is an isolated outage, we need to hear from you. Calling repeatedly does not speed up the return of service, it only ties up the telephone lines preventing others from getting through.

If power returns for a short while and then fails again, please call again. We may think the problem is solved.

Outage Preparedness

Because we live in Interior Alaska where floods, earthquakes, severe storms and extreme cold come with the territory, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Keep an emergency supply kit in an easily accessible place and make sure every member of your household knows where to find it. Emergencies and natural disasters can't be prevented, but they can be anticipated. Be prepared - make your own outage kit and include:

Survival

• Water - 1 gallon per person per day
• First aid kit freshly stocked
• Food - packaged, canned and baby food
• Non-electric can opener
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Portable radio/flashlight and extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher A B C type
• Food and water for pets
• Money

Sanitation Supplies

• Bar Soap, liquid detergent and shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Household bleach

Safety and comfort

• Candles with holders/chimneys and matches
• Change of clothing
• Knife or razor blades
• Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting
• Tent

Cooking

• Camp stove, propane appliances
• Fuel for cooking (camp stove fuel, etc.)
• Plastic knives, forks and spoons
• Paper plates and cups
• Paper towels
• Heavy duty aluminum foil

Tools and supplies

• Axe, shovel, broom and woodcutting saw
• Crescent wrench for turning off gas
• Screwdriver, pliers and hammer
• Coil of 1/2" rope
• Plastic tape and sheeting
• Toys for children

Be prepared by gathering together a few supplies to make the best of an uncomfortable situation. Prepare enough supplies to provide for your family for at least 72 hours.

Considering a generator?

Standby electric power from generators can keep your essential electrical equipment operational during power outages. This "insurance" can help you avoid inconvenience and financial loss. Some people have critical health care needs, as well, which are life threatening if power is out for an extended period of time.

Whatever your particular needs or concerns, GVEA can help. GVEA and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service have developed Emergency Electric Generators for Alaskan Residences, a booklet to assist members who are considering purchasing and installing an emergency electric generator. This booklet is designed to give you current, safe and economical information about selecting and installing a back-up, standby electrical generator for your home.

For your copy of Emergency Electric Generators for Alaskan Residences, you can download it now in PDF format, contact us at info@gvea.com or call us at 452-1151.