Frequently Asked Questions related to power outages
To report a power outage call 1-888-728-4004
Q. What are some common causes of power outages?
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- Trees and limbs being blown into lines by high winds
- Trees and limbs falling on lines due to snow
- Lines being broken by ice buildup
- Poles being broken by high winds
- Poles being broken by vehicle accidents
- Wildlife (squirrels, birds, etc.) coming in contact with energized lines while touching a ground
- Lightning
- Equipment problems
Q. In what order does NLRED restore power?
A. During a widespread outage, power is normally restored in the following order to get the largest number of customers on as quickly as possible:
Substations Main feeder lines Other three phase lines Single phase lines Single transformers Single customers
Q. How do I report a power outage?
A. Call 1-888-728-4004. North Little Rock has implemented a high volume call answering system so that customers can report outages, receive updates on power restoration status and power on verification call backs. The system is operated by 21st Century Communications. The special phone number to report outages is 1-888-728-4004
Q. How often should I report the outage?
A. Once an outage has been reported, please give NLRED time to respond and restore power. The time to restore the power could vary according to the nature of the problem. The cause of the outage could be down the street or across town from where you live, so you may not see NLRED vehicles near your home. If your power has not been restored within a few hours, please check back to report it again. Also if power is restored to your neighbors and yours is still off, please call back to report this. We always make every effort to get all customers back on as quickly as possible.
Q. Can I use a portable generator during an outage?
A. Most portable generators are only powerful enough to run a few necessary appliances in your home. You should never plug your generator into an outlet in your home. If a generator is connected to an outlet in your home, the electricity can travel out onto NLRED's lines and through transformers creating a life-threatening situation for NLRED employees trying to restore power.
A. However, generators can be used if connected properly. Please contact someone in the Engineering Department at 372-0100 for instruction on how to do this.
Q. Can I help by cutting trees off of the power lines?
A. No, not unless given permission by a NLRED crew working in your area. Just because a power line may be down doesn't mean it isn't energized. Also neighbors with generators improperly hooked up in their homes can cause high voltage to be present on power lines.
Q. Why do my neighbors have power and mine is still off?
A. Your neighbor could be served off of a different transformer or main line. For instance, your service could come from a line in the back of your house, and your neighbor across the street could be served from a line running along the street in front of your houses. In the event that your power hasn't been restored but your neighbor's has, please call to report this.
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