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FAQ Category FAQ
What are some factors that cause power outages?
High winds blowing trees and branches onto power lines Vehicles striking and breaking utility poles High winds breaking utility poles High winds blowing lines into trees Cold-load pick-up problems Animals such as birds, snakes, and squirrels climbing poles and contacting…
How does Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative restore power?
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s (GCECs) power restoration procedures are very simple. We try to restore power to as many families as possible as quickly as possible. Below are the steps GCEC takes to restore power: Restore power to substations Repair…
What other steps does the Cooperative take to be prepared for and respond to severe/prolonged outages?
We are committed to doing everything within our power to restore power as quickly as possible. During a severe outage lasting several days, the Cooperative will do the following: Call in employees from other, unaffected, GCEC offices Call in outside…
How do I report a power outage?
Call your GCEC office at (800) 568-3667 or (800) 333-9392. Give the office personnel your name and address. If you have a bill stub, give them your member number. If you cannot get through, please be patient and remember that…
How often should I report the outage?
Once you report an outage, please give GCEC time to respond and repair the damage. The cause of the outage may be miles from your home; therefore, you may not see our vehicles in your area. If your power has…
What should my family do during an extended outage?
If the power goes out, turn off your electric heating/cooling system Turn off appliances and lights, leaving one light on to signal the restoration of power (preferably a front porch light) Open refrigerators and freezers only as needed After power…
What is cold-load pick-up and why does it cause problems for GCEC?
Cold-load pick-up problems occur during severe cold or hot weather when we try to restore power. When power is disrupted in the winter, many families leave their heating systems and appliances on. When power is restored, those heating systems cause…
How should I use a portable generator?
Portable generators, especially generators designed for home use, are not powerful enough to run your entire home. Necessary appliances such as the refrigerator, freezer, or a space heater should be plugged into the generator. You should never plug your generator…
Should I help Gulf Coast EC by removing trees from power lines?
No. It is impossible to tell just by looking at them if power lines are energized. Live trees are excellent conductors of electricity, as are metal chain saw blades and bars. If GCEC reports that power is out in your…
Why does my neighbor have lights while my home is still without power?
Your neighbor’s home may be on a different line. For example, a three-phase line may run right in front of your home, but you may receive power through a single-phase line running through your backyard. Also, the problem may be…