Grant PUD customers can now stay up-to-date on major power and fiber-optic outages in their specific areas of Grant County by simply reading an alert on their cell phones or computers.

Major outage alerts by text message or email have already begun to Grant PUD customers via the Everbridge Emergency Alert System. This is the same emergency alert system used by Grant County Emergency Management and many law-enforcement agencies around the region.  

Grant County residents with mobile and landline numbers are already included in the Everbridge system. But anyone – even if you live outside Grant County – can opt in to receive alerts by filling out an online form here. Likewise, anyone who is already subscribed can opt out by following the instructions on any of the alerts received.

Grant PUD will use this alert service primarily for “major” outages affecting 100 or more customers and other, occasional, emergency service alerts. The same alerts and updates will continue to be posted on Grant PUD’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and the grantpud.org/outages website.

Why stay in the loop?

Safety Tips for Power Outage

Power outages, whether due to extreme weather or routine maintenance, can be challenging. At Grant PUD, we understand the inconvenience and potential risks associated with these situations. This guide is designed to help you navigate power outages safely and effectively.

Immediate Steps During a Power Outage

1. Report the Outage: If you experience a power outage, report it to Grant PUD immediately by calling 509-766-2505. This helps us track the outage and restore power promptly as possible.
2. Unplug Electronics: To prevent damage from potential power surges when electricity is restored, unplug your electronic devices, including computers, TVs, and kitchen appliances.
3. Flip Power Breakers for Major Appliances/Furnace:When your outage occurs, flip breakers on your high power usage items such as furnace, stove, water heater, dryer, etc. *Appliances responsible for heating water and air consume a significant amount of energy and can contribute greatly to the initial surge in demand when power is restored.
4. Leave porch light on as a signal:Turning on your porch light helps our utility crews to know when the power is back in different areas.
5. Use Flashlights, Not Candles: For lighting, rely on flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles to reduce the fire hazard.

Staying Safe and Comfortable

• Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures. A full freezer can keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
• Generators: If you use a generator, ensure it’s operated outdoors and far away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Stay Informed: Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates on the outage status.
• Avoid Electrical Equipment: Stay away from all electrical equipment and cords during an outage.

Preparing for Extended Outages

• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit ready with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, and first aid supplies.
• Preserving Heat: In colder weather, preserve heat by closing doors to unused rooms and dressing in warm layers.

After the Power Returns

• Gradual Reconnection: Once power is restored, wait a few minutes before plugging in and turning on major appliances to help prevent any potential electrical system overload.
• Check for Damage: Inspect electrical appliances for damage or wear that might have occurred during the outage.

Our Commitment to You

At Grant PUD, our crews work tirelessly to restore power as quickly and safely as possible during outages. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these times. Remember, your safety is our top priority. 

Conclusion

Power outages can be unexpected, but being prepared makes all the difference. By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself, your family, and your home.

Understanding Cold Load pickup and restoring your power faster in Grant County, WA

At Grant PUD, we recognize the importance of keeping our community informed about critical aspects of power management.

Understanding Cold Load Pickup

Cold load pickup occurs when there is a significant increase in electricity demand immediately after power restoration following an outage. If too much electricity is demanded simultaneously, it can strain the power system, leading to delays in restoring power or potentially causing another outage.

How You Can Help

Your proactive steps can greatly influence the stability of our electrical grid. You can contribute by doing these 3 important things:

1. Flip the Breakers on Major Appliances: When your outage occurs, flip breakers on your high power usage items such as furnace, stove, water heater, dryer, etc. *Appliances responsible for heating water and air consume a significant amount of energy and can contribute greatly to the initial surge in demand when power is restored.
2. Use Your Porch Light as a Signal: Turning on your porch light helps our utility crews to know when the power is back in different areas.
3. Wait Before Reconnecting: After power is restored, wait a few minutes before reconnecting your appliances, one at a time. This helps prevent a sudden surge in electrical demand.

The Impact of Your Participation

By reconnecting appliances in a staggered manner once power is restored especially those that consume more energy like heating units, you help distribute the electrical load more evenly. This prevents the risk of overloading the system.

Grant PUD's Commitment

At Grant PUD, we are dedicated to providing reliable and efficient power services. We welcome any questions you might have. Your active participation in managing cold load pickup, particularly by being mindful of high-energy consuming appliances, is crucial. Through these simple yet impactful actions, you contribute to the stability and efficiency of our power system. We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our community’s well-being.