Power Outages

 

OUTAGE UPDATES

 

Jan. 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Tacoma Power has restored service to all customers who lost power earlier today. Three poles were damaged and will be replaced. Tacoma Power crews anticipate that it will take approximately 16 hours to fix. Ruston way will be closed to traffic between McCarver Street and Schuster Parkway until crews have completed their work.

 

Jan. 10 - 10 a.m.

A truck that backed into a power pole has caused damage to Tacoma Power's system and approximately 1,500 customers are without power. The areas affected include:

  • Schuster Parkway from North 40th Street to the 4th Street Bridge

  • North 21st Street to North 38th St. from Alder to Mason

Some of the major customers/areas affected include Mason Middle School, Washington Elementary, Proctor District, Northend Treatment Plant and Temco Continental Grain.

Please check back for updates about when this outage will be restored.
 

PDF of Outage Preparation Brochures in English | Spanish | Korean | Vietnamese | Russian | Cambodian

 

Reporting outages

To report a power outage, broken line or broken power pole, call 253-502-8602.

 

Call only once to keep the line open for other customers. We write down your information.

Please be patient. Because so many people can be affected by a major storm outage, phone lines may be busy.

 

Before you call, examine the extent of the damage first. Utilities are not responsible for all damages that resulted from a storm or fallen tree. For instance, customers are responsible for electrical service equipment (shown in picture) which includes a weatherhead, service conduit mast, meter socket, and service panel that are located on their homes or property. Customers are required to have those repaired themselves but inspected by Tacoma Power before the utility can restore power. To request an electrical inspection, contact 253-502-8277 or e-mail tbender@cityoftacoma.org.

 

Remember to turn off major electrical appliances such as t.v. and computers, heaters, washers, dryers to avoid power surge which could cause serious damage when power is restored.

 

We need from you:

  • Name

  • Address of the place without power

  • Phone number (for possible call back)

  • Approximate time the outage started and if it is still in progress

  • Any visible damage or specific problem, tree in line, wire down, heard explosion, broken pole/cross arm,..etc)

What can we tell you?

When you call, we probably won't be able to tell you how long the power outage will last. The length of the outage depends on the extend of damage and the kind of repairs that we have to make. Work may be hampered by bad weather or darkness. Our crews will work around the clock until your electricity is restored.

 

Restoring power after an outage is a complex job. The goal is to restore power safely to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible. Priorities vary depending on the situation.

 

Safety reminder

Read the instruction that came with the generator before installing

Never, ever plug a portable generator into a home outlet because it will not be isolated from your utility electric supply.

Set your generator outside (never inside because exhaust fumes can be deadly)

Plug an extension cord (heavy-duty) into the generator and run your appliances from that extension cord.

After it's over

When power outage is back on, turn your appliances and electric heat gradually, over a period of one to two hours. It's important not to turn everything back on at once. An immediate, heavy demand for electricity after a power outage often damages repaired equipment and extends the outage. This is especially important during long periods of very cold weather when there's a heavy demand for electricity for heating.

 

Reporting storm damage

Pierce County residents who experienced damage to their homes or businesses because of the December windstorm are asked to report their damage to the Department of Emergency Management at 1-866-798-6363 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please do not call FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) or the Flood Disaster Recovery Center.

 

Useful information: