Two power suppliers have announced an upgraded electricity outage map that’s automatically sent to customers when there’s an outage in the area.
“Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) are making it even easier for customers to stay informed and track the latest updates during power outages,” the agencies said in a press release.
The utilities, just before a major winter storm is forecast to arrive in the area over the weekend, are launching new proactive power outage alerts to automatically notify customers when an outage is detected at their home or business.
Beginning this week, customers can receive proactive, automated text messages or phone calls when an outage is detected at their property, along with estimated restoration times (as soon as they are known) and confirmation once power is restored.
“This new technology enhancement is available through the utilities’ secure digital communications network and the more than one million advanced electric meters LG&E and KU have installed for customers,” according to the agencies.
“Our customers are relying on us to keep them informed and restore service safely and as quickly as possible if they experience a power outage. Our new proactive alert service gives our customers faster and more timely information when they need it most,” LG&E and KU Vice President of Customer Services Shannon Montgomery said. “This new service is just one of the many ways we’re embracing modern technology and investing in system enhancements for our customers to further defend against stronger and more frequent storms while improving the customer experience.”
How the alerts work
Customers’ new advanced meters will communicate directly with LG&E and KU’s systems, automatically alerting the utilities when an outage occurs.
- Outage alerts and updates will be sent via text or automated phone call to the mobile phone or landline number that a customer has provided for their account.
- Customers can update at any time their preferred contact information tied to their account using LG&E and KU’s self-serve options (mobile app, online via My Account or automated phone system), which are available 24/7.
- Text alerts will appear from 4LGEKU (454358), and automated phone calls will appear from 800-331-7370 for LG&E customers and 800-981-0600 for KU/ODP customers.
- Customers are encouraged to save these numbers in their contacts for easy recognition.
“The new outage alert service,” the agencies said, “complements LG&E and KU’s existing suite of outage reporting and tracking tools, including outage texting and the interactive outage map and mobile app, which provide near real-time information on outages and restoration progress.”
Important safety reminders
The utilities remind customers to never text to report a potential natural gas leak or downed power line.
- LG&E customers who suspect a natural gas leak should evacuate the area immediately, call 911, and notify LG&E by calling 502-589-1444 or 800-331-7370 (1-1-1).
- Stay away from downed wires. Keep others away, too. Always assume any downed wire is an energized power line and call LG&E or KU immediately:
- LG&E customers: 508-589-1444 or 800-331-7370 (1-1-3)
- KU/ODP customers: 800-981-0600 (1-1-2).
For more information, visit lge-ku.com/outages.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
