Power Outages

Grant PUD is very proud of its reliability record – we keep the power flowing to you more than 99 percent of the time. We spend many hours each month maintaining the system to keep it strong. But even excellent electric system maintenance cannot prevent all power outages, particularly during storms.

If Your Power Goes Out

• First check the fuses and breakers in your electrical service panel. If they are okay, check to see if your neighbors have power.
• Call Grant PUD at (800) 216-5226 to report the outage. You may be asked for information, or you may hear a message if someone else has already reported the outage.
• Turn off and unplug all sensitive electrical equipment, turn down your thermostat and turn off your water heater circuit breaker.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Try to be patient – our crews work as fast as they can to safely restore your service.

Emergency Preparedness

Are you prepared for an emergency? It is a good idea to have a family emergency preparedness kit in case of an extended power outage or other emergency. Emergency management experts recommend that you plan to be self-sufficient for at least three days, maybe longer.

        It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3!

• Get a kit.
• Make a plan.
• Be informed.

Contact Grant County Department of Emergency Management at (509) 762-1462 and visit Ready America for specifics on creating an emergency kit, forming a family emergency plan and staying informed.

Generator Use

Portable electric generators can be a source of power for heat, light, refrigeration and cooking during electrical outages. But, if generators are improperly installed or operated, they can become deadly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for generator operation. These safety awareness tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International can prevent injury or death from improper generator use:

• Do not connect generators directly to household wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed. Power from generators connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including Grant PUD linemen making repairs.
• Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
• Keep the generator dry.
• Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load and are free of cuts, worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
• Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
• Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor air quality while generators are running.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
• Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
• Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.