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Electric Outages

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Electric Outage Map

Report electric outages via SmartHub or by calling (423) 952-5000.

If you report your outage via SmartHub, you must have a SmartHub account already set up or you may create a new SmartHub account.  Click HERE to report via SmartHub.

If you report your outage by phone, you must readily provide the phone number associated with your electric account.  Please be advised that BrightRidge provides electric service to approximately 80,000 metered-customers. 

During widespread outages, expect longer wait times or a busy signal as call volumes may exceed the number of incoming lines.  Rest assured that in most cases BrightRidge is aware of power outages at specific locations due to our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).  Most of the time, it is not necessary for you to contact BrightRidge to report outages.

Report Broadband Tech Support Issues by calling (423) 952-5000

Learn More About Electric Outages

  • Reasons for Outages
    1. Severe weather storms; such as, thunderstorms, snowstorms, tornadoes, ice storms, etc.
    2. Animals; such as, birds, snakes, or squirrels interfering with electrical equipment
    3. Auto accidents, which may strike and break utility poles
    4. Overloaded lines
    5. Equipment failures; such as, transformer fuses blowing, breakers malfunctioning, etc.
    6. Human error
    7. Birds and squirrels are typically the number one cause of power outages throughout the BrightRidge service area.
  • What to Do
    1. Have an emergency kit readily available in the event of a power outage. Your emergency kit should include:
      • Battery back-up for medical equipment if there is someone in the home dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining equipment.
      • Medications: enough for multiple days.
      • First-Aid kit.
      • Flashlights and extra batteries.
      • Water: one gallon per person, per day.
      • Non-perishable food; items that may be easily prepared.
      • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
      • Cell phone with extra mobile chargers.
      • Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
      • Extra blankets.
      • One or more coolers.

    2. Look to see if the neighbors’ lights are off. If the neighbors’ lights are not off, the problem may be confined to your home.

    3. Check fuses and breakers. If there is a problem with the fuses or breakers, this may indicate the problem is confined to your home.

    4. Turn off all electrical appliances that were on; especially heat pumps, air-conditioners, or electric heating. This precautionary measure will aid in preventing the system from overloading once power is restored.

    5. Report your outage via SmartHub or by calling (423) 952-5000. If you report an outage via SmartHub, you must have a SmartHub account already set up or you may create a new SmartHub account.

    6. Monitor BrightRidge social media updates on Facebook and Twitter. Also, turn on your battery-operated portable radio and listen for messages from BrightRidge via news media.

    7. If extreme conditions exist and power outages are widespread, consider making alternate arrangements until power is restored.

    8. It is important to check on older friends, neighbors, and relatives during emergency situations. You may even consider assisting them in making alternate arrangements if the power outage is expected to last for an extended period of time.

    9. CAUTION: CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, kerosene or natural gas burning device inside. Install carbon monoxide alarms inside your home on every level. Make sure batteries are changed regularly, and that the device(s) is in good working order.  Click HERE for more tips on electrical/generator safety.

    10. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. See also USDA Food Safety Tips.  
  • Steps For Restoring

    BrightRidge crews work 365 days a year to ensure reliable electric service for all customers. When large power outages occur, crews first restore power to the greatest number of metered-customers at one time. Next, crews restore service at individual, isolated cases. Generally, these steps are followed to restore power (electric service):

    Step 01: High-voltage transmission lines supply electricity to substations from TVA power plants where the electricity is produced. If the transmission lines are damaged, it is impossible for electricity to be supplied to anyone.

    Step 02: Substations receive electricity from transmission lines. Large transformers located at substations reduce electric voltage from 69,000 volts to approximately 13,000 volts. Substations must be repaired before electricity is supplied to distribution lines.

    Step 03: Distribution lines are the third link in the system to be repaired. Distribution lines may also be referred to as 3-phase lines and operate at 13,000 volts. These lines typically provide electricity to commercial and industrial customers, as well as supply electricity to single-phase lines.

    Step 04: Single-phase lines or tap lines operate at 7,200 volts, supplying electricity to residential areas. During extreme power interruptions, it may take several days to completely restore electricity to all tap lines as these are widespread and make up a large portion of our electric system.

    Step 05: The final step in the restoration process is to restore electricity to individual homes and small services. During the final step, electricity is generally supplied at a voltage of 120/240. Repairs to individual service lines and transformers can be very time consuming as these individual services must be repaired one job at a time.

  • Report a Streetlight

    Click HERE to report a streetlight(s) that is out.