Storm Outages

What should I do if my power goes out?

Albemarle EMC maintains a 24-hour dispatch center. Please report all power outages to the dispatch center by calling 1-800-274-2072.

Because a power outage can affect hundreds of consumers, your call may be answered by a computer so that we may effectively manage the large call volume. When you call, the number you are calling from is sensed by the computer. If this number matches the number we have for you in our database, it will instantly notify our dispatchers of your address and location. We can then dispatch crews quickly and efficiently to where they need to go. Because your telephone number is an important factor in our ability to quickly respond to your outage, please contact us if your telephone number changes so that we may update our records.

Regardless of whether the number you are calling from is in our database, all callers will have the opportunity to leave a voice message. Please do so; we listen to each and every call.

What causes outages?

Outages can result from many things. Trees and other vegetation are a major cause of outages. Lightning striking power lines also precipitates outages. Other causes include animals, automobile accidents, construction and sometimes equipment failure. Albemarle EMC constantly patrols the electrical system to identify and remedy any potential causes for power outages.

Why do my lights go out and come back on?

The electric distribution system is equipped with special equipment called reclosers. These devices are designed to de-energize the line during a fault or short-circuit condition. This protects the electrical system from unnecessary damage and gives the fault a chance to clear. Moments later, the recloser re-energizes the circuit to determine if the line is now clear. If the faulted condition does not clear, the recloser will stay open permanently. Cooperative personnel must the patrol the line to determine the cause.

Sometimes my power goes out and my neighbor's stays on. Why does this happen?

Albemarle EMC maintains a three-phase electric distribution system. It is possible for one of these three phases to become faulted while the other two remain clear. If your home is served from the phase that is de-energized, you could experience an outage and your neighbor would never lose power. If the transformer that serves your home is damaged, neighboring homes may not be affected.

What should I do in the event of a major storm in our area?

We all know that our area is prone to severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. Whenever such a storm arises, please follow these helpful tips:

1. Keep away from windows and open doors.
2. Don't use electrical appliances or the telephone. Lightning can follow the wires into your home.
3. Stay out of the water. Never go swimming or boating during a lightning storm. If you're in the water, get out as quickly as possible. Lightning can follow metal plumbing pipes, so avoid the shower or bathtub during a lightning storm.
4. Avoid trees, poles and other tall objects. Avoid large metal objects. These things are targets for lightning.
5. Go to low ground and crouch down low if you're caught outdoors.
6. Keep a flashlight, battery-powered radio and batteries on hand in the event of an electric outage.

Why do I sometimes not see Albemarle EMC personnel when I experience an outage?

The cause of your outage is likely far away from your residence. Some of our lines are upwards of 10 miles. Albemarle EMC repair crews search for the source of the outage, repair the damage and then re-energize the line. All of this may happen without the repair crews coming to your neighborhood.