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Outages and Power Restoration

Power Outage Graphic

  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.

Outage Map Graphic

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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Facebook

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

Frequently Asked Outage Questions

What if I have a medical necessity that has to have power?
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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.

March Service Interruption Statistics

23

Total number of service interruptions

64

Consumers Who Experienced Service Interruptions

1.20

Average Service Interruption Duration in hours (Consumers experiencing an interruption in March)

.006

Hours of Average Service Interruption Per Consumer.

1.5

ILEC's goal per consumer/Annually

Storm Clouds

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. 

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  • Have a hardwired phone (one without a power pack) or a fully charged cell phone for emergency calls.

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  • Have a list of important numbers: family, doctors and friends. Keep it with your storm kit.

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  • Stockpile water and a small supply of non-perishable food.

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  • Check any emergency generator for proper operation.

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  • 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

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  • 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 have steps to be sure you can administer your medications when needed.

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  • During an extended outage, you might want to dry ice for your refrigerator and freezer to help preserve your food.

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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.

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Don't Forget Your Pets or Livestock

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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. 

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