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Outage Center

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Your cooperative is currently experiencing normal energy demand. No special energy saving measures are necessary.

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Power Outages


If you are experiencing a power outage, please report it by calling 800-225-4532. Have your account number and the name on the account available.

Iowa Outage Map


Statewide Outage Map

The outage map provides real-time outage information by county or electric co-op service territory for the state of Iowa.

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ILEC Facebook Page

When widespread outages strike Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative's territory, our Facebook page will be used to communicate up-to-date information.

Outage Resources

Reporting an Outage

  1. Call 800-225-4532. Be sure to have your account number ready so we can identify your location quickly and accurately.
  2. Turn off major appliances to protect them from any high- or low-voltage conditions, and to decrease the load when the lines are reconnected.
  3. Leave a light switch on. This will let you know when service has been restored.
  4. Please, be patient. Our crews work to repair dangerous/critical conditions first, then those that affect the most people, and then smaller groups. After you report an outage, it will only be a matter of time before power is restored. Office dispatchers cannot give an estimated repair time as they cannot see all the damage in the area. However, if your neighbor's power is restored and yours is not, please call and report the issue.

Medical Necessity

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative strongly recommends you take certain precautions to prepare ahead of time for possible power interruptions. If you have medically-based electricity needs, please consider the following:

  • Having an emergency back-up power source such as a generator.
  • Keeping emergency back-up for all necessary medical supplies (e.g. an extra oxygen tank).
  • Making a list of emergency numbers for medical personnel, friends, neighbors, etc. who may assist you in the event of an emergency.
  • Contacting the American Red Cross for shelter or assistance during extreme power interruptions.
  • Making arrangements to move to another location in the event of an extreme power interruption.

In the event of a power interruption, call 800-225-4532. Although we will respond to your area as soon as possible, severe storm damage can delay restoration.

Frequently Asked Outage Questions

What are the causes of outages?

We make every attempt to keep your power on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That said, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and the wilderness. A lot of things can cause an outage. A few examples include:

  • Squirrels, birds, snakes and other animals
  • Trees, vines and other plants
  • People - cars hitting poles, workers hitting lines
  • Lightning, wind, rain and sleet

How do I know when to call an electrician and when to call Iowa Lakes?

Iowa Lakes owns and maintains all the lines, wires, transformers and various other types of equipment up to the METER. If there is a problem beyond the meter, it is your responsibility to contact a local electrician to have the problem resolved. If you are not sure where the problem is originating, contact Iowa Lakes and we will help determine the nature of the problem.

What causes my lights to blink?

Usually, blinking lights are a result of momentary outages that occur when some type of disturbance exists on the line. This could be a lightning strike, an automobile striking a pole or a squirrel or tree branch coming in contact with an energized power line.

Actually when lights blink, it is an indication that our equipment is operating properly. Blinking lights reflect the operation of equipment that protects the lines and keeps the power from going off for more than just a moment. Our distribution system includes special devices called reclosures that operate whenever there is a short circuit on the line. If the short circuit is temporary, which is usually the case, the reclosure permits power to continue flowing through the line with only a brief interruption of service (meaning your lights blink!).

Without this device, every short circuit, temporary or otherwise, would cause the power to be off until we could send a line crew to restore service. Usually, these reclosures will operate or trip three times before stopping the flow of electricity and causing a power outage. This reclosure operation protects the lines from damage.

Why can't you tell me how long my power will be out?

If the outage is extensive with significant damage to our system, we cannot always tell what has been damaged until we begin to restore power. A connection that appears to be fine may, in fact, be damaged and will not show up until the lines to it are fixed and energized.

Why do I need to call? Don't you know right away if we are out of power?

We won't know immediately if you are out of power. We can attempt to remotely read your meter after we are aware of an outage in the area. Besides, if the outage cause is inside your home or business our metering system does not see that since our power to the meter is still there. If you lose power, check to be sure your breakers haven't tripped and if they are fine, give us a call.

I am going on a trip and am worried that my power might go out while I am away.

Here's where you need to enlist the assistance of friends or family. Some members will leave a light on in a specific window and ask someone to make sure to check it frequently. If the light goes out, they can check your house to be sure it isn't a problem inside and then they can let us know.

We have had a big storm with lots of people out of power. It seems like mine has been out longer. What do I do?

In large storms, damage hits all parts of our system. Our crews work to restore the largest number of member-owners and critical need member-owners first then work their way through all damage. Sometimes, the power line from our lines to your house has been damaged and we simply do not see it. Here's a simple test. Check your breakers to be sure they are all set properly, check your neighbors on both sides to see if they have power. If your breakers are fine and your neighbors have power, call us.

What precautions should be taken when using a standby generator?

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requires an emergency generator to be connected to the wiring system through a double-throw switch, to disconnect the generator from the cooperative's lines when it's being used.

The safety of cooperative linemen, emergency workers and neighbors are at stake when a generator is in operation. Without the proper switch, power can be sent through the lines, which others thought were de-energized.

Whether the generator is portable or permanently mounted, make sure a double-throw switch is installed to safely connect the home to either the cooperative's lines, or the generator, but never both at once.

Storm and Emergency Preparedness

Each storm season has different requirements. Being prepared for a storm can help you make it through safely until power is restored.

  • Have a flashlight and battery operated radio handy. Be sure to have a stock of batteries on hand.
  • Have a hardwired phone (one without a power pack) or a fully charged cell phone for emergency calls.
  • Have a list of important numbers: family, doctors and friends. Keep it with your storm kit.
  • Stockpile water and a small supply of non-perishable food.
  • Check any emergency generator for proper operation.
  • Make sure you know how to exit your garage if it has a powered opener. Most have a red handle to pull that releases the mechanism so you can raise the door by hand. Check it in advance.
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of medications. If the medications require an electrically operated device to administer them, be sure you have a backup power supply or a mechanical alternative. We cannot insure when we will be able to restore power so you must take steps to be sure you can administer your medications when needed.
  • During an extended outage, you might want dry ice for your refrigerator and freezer to help preserve your food.

There are other steps you can take but these basic ones will see you through most situations. To learn more about winter storm preparedness, visit Ready.gov or NOAA.

Don't Forget Your Pets or Livestock

Man's best friend needs care in an extended outage too. If you have a family pet, an exotic pet or livestock you need to be prepared to secure their safety and comfort as well as your own. The USDA website has more information about disaster planning for animal facilities.

Monthly Service Interruption Statistics

February 2023 Service Interruption Statistics

Total Number of Service Interruptions: 17

Consumers Who Experienced Service Interruptions: 21

Average Service Interruption Duration (Consumers experiencing an interruption in February): 1.05 hrs

Average Service Interruption Per Consumer in February: 0.002 hrs

Cooperative's Corporate Goal Per Consumer/Annually: 1.50 hrs