Common Outage Causes

We work hard year-round to deliver reliable service, but outages can occur. When they do, our entire focus is on safely and quickly restoring service based on a detailed and well-practiced action plan that includes these elements.

Believe it or not, there are many reasons you could be without power, aside from bad weather. Below are a few reasons for outages.

Weather

Weather is probably the most well-known reason for power outages. It’s also the most common. Storms can knock down trees and tear down power lines, and strong winds or flooding can damage co-op equipment. Be weather aware during wind storms, thunderstorms and winter storms.
Animals

Small animals also cause power outages. Squirrels, in particular, are notorious for climbing on electrical equipment and causing outages. Raccoons, foxes, possums, snakes and birds can also trigger disruptions. Even larger animals, such as bobcats, have been known to cause problems on electric poles.
Planned Outages

To ensure our electric infrastructure is operating at peak efficiency, Harrison REMC routinely maintains and upgrades it. Before planned outages, we will contact you, noting when power will be out and when it will be restored. That’s why it is important to let us know if you update your phone number.
Public

Sometimes the public can cause power outages as well. For example, the theft of co-op equipment, such as copper, can cause outages. Accidents also pose a problem. When people crash their vehicles into electric poles or transformers, it can damage our electricity infrastructure and cause an outage.

What to do when the power goes out

First, check your breakers to make sure that’s not the reason for the power disruption. If you do have a power outage, you can always reach us by calling 812-738-4115 or 812-951-2323. Please be sure to keep your phone numbers updated so when you do call in, the system will recognize your address and you won’t have to hold for a representative to report your outage.

Blinks

Years ago, we didn’t notice these types of power occurrences. But now, with digital clocks, we notice these “blinks.” It may seem like they happen frequently, but in reality, we are just more aware of them. Small animals such as squirrels cause most blinks.

Having the power blink is better than having the power go out completely. Blinks are caused by devices which protect the electric system. These devices are called “reclosers.” Reclosers act like the circuit breakers in your home, with one major difference; they reset themselves after breaking the circuit. If a tree limb or some other object touches the line long enough for the recloser to open, the device will reset itself and power will flow again.

If the problem clears the line, the power will stay on. If the problem continues to exist, the recloser will operate again. After trying three times, reclosers are designed to stay open or keep the power flowing until the problem is fixed and the device is manually reset. The alternative to reclosers is to use a fuse on each line. While fuses would result in fewer blinks, it would also create more outages that would have to be repaired.

Not all outages or blinks will ever be prevented. Your REMC has a yearly tree trimming schedule to help reduce blinks and outages.