Outage Center

Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Stay Connected.

Whether you're reporting an outage, preparing for a storm, or tracking restoration progress, Thumb Electric Cooperative is here to keep you informed every step of the way. Jump to:

Outage Map

View Real-Time Outage Information

Use our interactive map to see current outage locations and restoration updates across our service area.

Report an Outage

What To Do When the Lights Go Out

If your power goes out, Thumb Electric is just a call or click away. Here’s how to respond safely and effectively:


1. Check for issues inside your home.

  • Inspect fuses and breakers inside your home and outside near the meter.

  • If your electronic meter display is off, the issue is likely on our end.


2. Confirm the outage.

  • Contact neighbors to see if they’re also affected.


3. Report the outage to us:

Please be patient during widespread outages—our lines may be busy, but our team is available 24/7.

Safety Tip: Cordless phones may not work in an outage. Have a corded landline or a charged cell phone available.

Important: If a TEC crew responds and the issue is found within your home’s wiring, a service charge may apply in accordance with state regulations.

Restoration Process

How Power Gets Restored

TEC follows a strategic, step-by-step process to restore power safely and efficiently:


Transmission Lines: These carry high-voltage power to TEC’s substations.

Substations: We prioritize restoring our 16 substations, which serve over 12,000 members.

Main Distribution Lines: These lines deliver power to towns and communities.

Tap Lines & Transformers: These connect individual homes and businesses.

If your neighbor has power but you don’t, the issue may lie between your home and the transformer. Avoid downed lines and never attempt generator use without a proper switch installed.

Watch how we restore power (NRECA video)

Repair Responsibility

Know What’s Yours—And What’s Ours

TEC owns your electric meter, but the meter base and mast pipe belong to you. If they’re damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs before we can safely restore service.

This can be frustrating, but it ensures everyone's safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code.

Tip: If your meter box is damaged during a storm, act fast and contact a qualified electrician immediately.

Storm Preparation

Be Ready Before the Weather Hits

Storms happen, but with the right steps, you can minimize the impact.

Before the Storm:

  • Create an emergency kit: flashlight, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, first-aid kit, and more.

  • Keep backup heat sources, like wood or kerosene (in well-ventilated areas).

  • Fill bathtubs with water if you rely on a well.

  • Charge devices and unplug electronics.

  • Know your generator safety—never run it indoors or without a transfer switch.

During the Outage:

  • Keep fridges and freezers closed.

  • Stay warm using blankets and seal off cold drafts.

  • Avoid open flames and always use flashlights over candles.

After the Storm:

  • Restock supplies.

  • Replace used batteries.

  • Review what worked and what didn’t for future preparedness.

Outage FAQs

Common Questions During Outages

  • Safety first—then restoring transmission lines, substations, main distribution, and finally, individual tap lines.

  • They may be addressing upstream issues that must be resolved first.

  • A tripped breaker, damaged tap line, or blown fuse on your transformer could be the cause.

  • TEC will address any debris affecting service. Stay at least 25 feet away and report hazards immediately.

  • If the piping or mount is pulled from your house, a licensed electrician must fix it before TEC can reconnect.

  • Usually yes, but brief interruptions may occur as the full system stabilizes.

  • Restoration times vary. Underground lines are less vulnerable to wind, but harder to access and repair.

  • No. All restoration follows a strict priority system—based on infrastructure, not status.