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Reporting An Outage

To report an outage, call (800) 637-8667.

When The Lights Go Out

We work around the clock to provide safe, reliable power. But weather and circumstances sometimes interrupt service. Our service area map is here. It offers an overview of area outages.

If you lose power, please follow these steps:

  • Check in with neighbors to see if you’re the only home without service. If you are, check your electrical box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. 
  • If you can’t source your outage to your electrical box or your neighbors are also without power, report your outage using the SWEC IL app, or call us at (800) 637-8667. The line is staffed 24 hours per day. Your call will be answered by a Southwestern Electric employee or a representative of the co-op’s emergency response service. Be prepared to give the operator your name, address, telephone number and account number. 
  • Don’t rely on e-mail to contact the cooperative during an outage or other emergency.  While our phones are constantly monitored, our e-mail isn’t.
  • During an outage, it’s a good idea to unplug or switch off lights and electric appliances, leaving on a light or two so you’ll know when power is restored. Doing so will help you avoid overloading a circuit when the electricity comes back on. After your power is restored, turn on appliances and electrical devices one at a time.

Click here for a diagram showing the order in which outages are typically restored.