A power outage is likely a utility problem if your neighbors have also lost power, your utility reports an outage in your area or your main breaker is still on and nothing in your home appears damaged. If only your home is affected, the cause may be in your own electrical system.
Telling the difference helps you know whether to contact the utility or an electrician.
Signs That Point to the Utility
The easiest clue is your neighborhood. If nearby homes and streetlights are dark, the outage is almost certainly on the utility’s side.
Weather is another clue. High winds, snow, ice and thunderstorms can damage power lines and equipment. Outages that start during storms are often utility-related.
A loud pop or flash outside, such as from a transformer, can also point to utility equipment.
In Denver, Xcel Energy is the electric utility for most homes. The utility offers ways to report an outage and check its status online or by phone.
Signs That Point to Your Home
If neighbors have power but your home does not, check your electrical panel if it is safe to do so. A tripped main breaker can cut power to the whole house.
If only some rooms or outlets are out, the problem is usually inside the home. A tripped breaker, a GFCI outlet that needs resetting or a wiring problem may be involved.
Burning smells, sparking, scorch marks or a panel that feels hot are signs of a problem in your electrical system. These need attention from an electrician, not the utility.
Partial Outages Can Be Tricky
Some outages fall in between. If half the house loses power, or lights are unusually dim or bright, the problem may involve the service connection rather than a single circuit.
These situations can come from a utility supply problem or a loose connection in the home’s service equipment. Contact the utility first, and call an electrician if the utility confirms the problem is on your side.
Avoid using sensitive electronics while voltage seems abnormal.
Staying Safe During Any Outage
Stay far away from downed power lines, assume they are live and call 911 and the utility. Use flashlights rather than candles.
If you use a portable generator, run it outdoors, away from windows and doors, and never plug it into a wall outlet. Backfeeding power into a home can endanger utility workers and neighbors.
Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them when power returns.
If the outage turns out to be inside your home, our professional power outage troubleshooting page explains how the cause is found. Contact us to describe what you have noticed, and we can help you decide on the next step.