Status / Report an Outage
Operating Status: Normal
To report a power outage or emergency, please follow the steps below. Virginia Tech Electric Service will work to restore power as quickly as possible.
- Call 540-231-6437.
- If you are calling after normal business hours, select "option one" to be connected to the Virginia Tech Police Department, who will contact the proper Virginia Tech Electric Service personnel to investigate the power outage or emergency.
Homes with a registered life-sustaining device (prescribed by a licensed physician) are of the utmost priority. If someone in your home uses such a device, please make sure you have registered with our office. Written certification from your doctor may be required.
Winter Storm Tips
Preparing for Power Outages
Before An Outage
- Make sure your Emergency Outage Kit is fully stocked and easily accessible.
- Develop an emergency plan that addresses any special medical needs you or your family members have. Call your local emergency management office to discuss necessary arrangements.
- Purchase appliances with built-in surge protection or install surge protectors to help safeguard valuable electronic equipment such as computers and home entertainment systems.
If Your Power Goes Out
- Report your outage immediately to VTES at 540-231-6437. Don’t rely on your neighbors to report your outage.
- Stay away from downed power lines, flooded areas, and debris. Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized. Immediately report to VTES at 540-231-6437.
- Turn off all appliances, including your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and water pump. Leave on one lamp to know when power has been restored. That way, you can avoid a circuit overload.
- Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. Food will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
- Listen to the local radio station on your battery-operated radio for regular news and weather updates.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- If you must travel, please help protect line workers and crews when you see them on the roadside making emergency repairs. Move over from the lane nearest the workers or slow down until you can safely pass the work site.
- Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme