1. Report and Check Power Outages - PSEG Long Island

Estimated Restoration Times

After an Outage is Reported

We use an Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) to gauge how long it takes to restore your power. When your power is out we work as safely and efficiently as possible to restore your service in a timely manner.

ETRs and Status Updates
After you've reported an outage, our system generates an ETR based on historical data collected from past outages. Usually these estimates range between two to eight hours. As we assess and repair damages, we'll update the ETR. Sometimes, conditions or our workforce availability force us to extend or shorten your ETR. You can always check the status of your outage online, or sign up for MyAlerts for updates by phone, text or email. 

During a Storm Event

When power goes out, we understand you’re eager to know when it will be restored. Here’s a look at what goes into giving you that information after a major storm.

Damage Assessment

Damage Assessment Phase: Onset of Storm

During the Damage Assessment phase, a customer reporting an outage may receive an “Assessing Conditions” message or see that on our online outage map.  You will receive a Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) once the majority of the storm has passed and we know the extent of damage and outages. The bigger the storm, the longer this may take. Our systems will determine if a reported outage is part of a larger issue affecting many customers or just one. At that time, we will dispatch a repair crew or damage assessor to inspect the conditions. The detailed damage report we receive helps ensure we bring the appropriate repair crew, material and equipment to the job site to make repairs.
Global Assessment

Global ETR Phase

If we cannot yet provide detailed, individual ETRs, we may provide a “global” ETR to all customers affected by the event. At this stage, we have a good understanding of the damage across the affected area(s). Based on the number of outages and crews available, we develop a global ETR, which is an estimate of how long it will take to restore 90% of all customers affected. The more damage there is to the system, the further out in time the global ETR will be. Most customers will be restored on or before this global estimate.
Work Plan

Work Plan (Regional) ETR Phase

This is the second ETR provided to customers with an outage. It is a more detailed estimate that supersedes the Global ETR, grouping the number of outages that can be restored into three-day blocks. The work plan is updated and communicated daily. As additional repair crews arrive to aid in restoration efforts, more jobs are added to the daily work plan and more customers are restored.
Job Level Assessment

Job Level (Local) ETR Phase

This is the 3rd ETR a customer receives. A crew is on site, repairing damage and adjusting the Work Plan ETR based on actual field conditions. If more work is required and additional time needed, a 4th ETR may be required. The opposite can occur as well, especially if damage was fixed quicker than expected.

When the Power is Out

Causes of power outages
Power outages result from a loss of electricity. Top causes of power outages in our area include:

  • Storms that bring lightning, high winds, ice, snow, or rain.
  • Trees and branches that come into contact with electric lines.
  • Animal contact with equipment and power lines.
  • Accidents, like cars hitting utility poles.
  • Equipment failure from corrosion, wear and tear, and aging parts.
  • Protective relay equipment, similar to the circuit breakers in your home, that cut off power when a problem arises.

  
If your neighbors have power but you don't:
 If your power isn't back on, here are some possible reasons why:

  • Your neighbors' power may be on a different circuit, or they may have a generator.
  • Homes with backyard service: Utility poles and equipment in backyards are more difficult to access. When our linemen must climb poles to install equipment, set poles by hand-digging, and run service wires to homes without using aerial lifts, power restoration takes longer.
  • If your restored power goes out again, your circuit experienced other problems. For our safety, we temporarily cut power so we can make other repairs.

 
What's taking so long?
We're working to restore your power as safely and efficiently as possible. But sometimes, restoring power takes longer in some areas. If your power isn't back on, here are some possible reasons why:

  • Repair crews must wait until it's safe for them to begin work.
  • Homes with backyard service: Utility poles and equipment in backyards are more difficult to access. When our linemen must climb poles to install equipment, set poles by hand-digging, and run service wires to homes without using aerial lifts, power restoration takes longer.

 
Why are there crews just standing around?

  • Our crews have different responsibilities. Some conduct damage assessments; others ensure the public's safety. Often, the first person on the scene conducts damage assessments. He collects the information we need to send the right repair crew.