How to monitor, report power outages across Georgia as Hurricane Helene grows

Georgia Power, the state’s largest utility company with over 2.7 million customers, says it’s preparing for possible power outages as Tropical Storm Helene intensifies and heads for the Peach State.

The utility company says customers can monitor and report outages in various ways, including online.

“Georgia Power is prepared to respond to outages safely and as quickly as weather conditions allow...” a news release from the company said Tuesday. “Georgia Power is in touch with its response partners including local and state governments, as well as other regional utilities.”

There are various ways to stay connected and respond to power outages in Georgia as Tropical Storm Helene intensifies, both for Georgia Power customers and for those with another provider.

Georgia Power users can sign up for personalized text messages on storm updates, outage alerts and statuses on their own home and surrounding community. One must log into an online account or mobile app and verify a phone number to enroll in the alerts.

A statewide outage map is available to the public and customers. Residents can click on coordinates to view how many customers are affected by outages in a particular area. The pins also show when outages are expected to be restored.

For state and local storm tips, updates, customer services and other information, visit @GeorgiaPower on X, formerly known as Twitter.

How to report an outage

One does not need to be a Georgia Power customer to report outages.

Anyone can submit information such as a street name, apartment number, city, state and zip code to describe where an outage is suspected.

Residents can also report street light issues by clicking locations on a map via the Georgia Power site.

Some outages are not obvious. Signs could include a loud noise, neighbors without power, a lightning strike or storm damage nearby, lights flickering or construction crews in the area, according to the Georgia Power website.

This information is “beneficial in determining the location and extent of trouble,” the site says.

One can call Georgia Power 24/7 about dangerous situations such as downed power lines at 1-888-891-0938. Call 911 for emergencies.

What about other Georgia electric providers?

Aside from Georgia Power, a handful of other providers give power to hundreds of thousands of Georgia residents.

Cobb EMC, which has more than 218,000 customers, has an outage center website where you can monitor and report issues.

Jackson EMC, covering more than 250,000 customers, offers an outage map too.

Sawnee EMC, with just over 200,000 customers, offers a map to find outage information.

Dozens of additional providers across the state have tracking information available at poweroutage.us/area/state/georgia, with more information available on their websites.

This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 10:01 AM.