Report an Outage
| MGE | Alliant Energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Online, text OUT to 73904, or call 608-252-7000(MGE) | Outage map, click "Report outage" (no login needed)(Alliant Energy) |
| Outage map | MGE outage map | Alliant outage center |
| Alerts | Text, email or voice alerts with an estimated restoration time(MGE) | Text, phone or email through My Account(Alliant Energy) |
| Emergencies (downed line, gas leak) | 608-252-7000 or 1-800-245-1125, 24/7(MGE) | 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) or 911(Alliant Energy) |
Not sure which utility serves you? It's on your bill. By town:
| Town | Electric utility |
|---|---|
| Cottage Grove | Alliant Energy(source) |
| DeForest | Alliant Energy(source) |
| Fitchburg | Madison Gas and Electric (MGE); Alliant Energy(source) |
| Madison | Madison Gas and Electric (MGE); Alliant Energy (a small part of the city)(source) |
| Maple Bluff | Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)(source) |
| McFarland | Alliant Energy; Madison Gas and Electric (north of Siggelkow Road)(source) |
| Middleton | MGE (Madison Gas and Electric)(source) |
| Monona | Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)(source) |
| Mount Horeb | Mount Horeb Utilities(source) |
| Oregon | Alliant Energy(source) |
| Shorewood Hills | Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)(source) |
| Stoughton | Stoughton Utilities(source) |
| Sun Prairie | Sun Prairie Utilities(source) |
| Verona | Alliant Energy (Wisconsin Power and Light)(source) |
| Waunakee | Waunakee Utilities(source) |
Towns with their own utility take outage calls themselves; the number is on your bill. The towns comparison has more on each town's utilities.
What Gets Fixed First
Both utilities restore in the same general order: hazards first, then the big lines that feed many customers, then individual homes.
- Public safety hazards, such as live downed wires.(MGE)
- Vital services: hospitals, police and fire, sewer and water.(MGE)
- Transmission lines and substations.(MGE)(Alliant Energy)
- Main distribution lines, then the lines on individual streets.(MGE)
- The service wire to a single home, which Alliant calls the last and longest step.(Alliant Energy)
MGE says that on a normal day it has historically restored power within 2 hours or less, but after a major storm the damage assessment alone can take 24 hours or more.(MGE)
If your power stays out after your neighbors' is back, call.(MGE) You own some of the equipment that brings power into the house. If that's damaged, an electrician has to repair it before the utility can reconnect you.(MGE)(Alliant Energy)
Downed Lines
- Stay at least 30 feet away, about the length of a bus, and assume every downed wire is live, even if it's quiet.(MGE)
- Fences, trees and puddles touching a line can be energized too.(MGE)
- If you're close to one, don't run. Shuffle away with your feet close together.(MGE)
- If a line falls on your car, stay inside unless you can drive away safely or must get out; then jump clear without touching the car and ground at once.(MGE)
- Report it: MGE 608-252-7000, Alliant 1-800-ALLIANT, or 911.(MGE)(Alliant Energy)
Generators and Carbon Monoxide
- Outside only. Never run a portable generator in a home, garage, crawl space or any enclosed space.(Alliant Energy) Wisconsin DHS says never within 20 feet of the house.(Wisconsin DHS)
- Don't connect it to house wiring. Power can backfeed into the lines and injure or kill a neighbor or lineworker. Plug appliances into the generator with heavy-duty outdoor cords, or have a licensed electrician install a UL-listed transfer switch.(MGE) Alliant says to shut off your main disconnect when using a generator.(Alliant Energy)
- CO alarms. Wisconsin law requires carbon monoxide alarms in the basement and on each floor level, except the attic, garage or storage areas.(Wis. Stat. 101.647) Indoor air safety covers placement and what to do when one sounds.
- No candles. Alliant warns the fire risk is too great; use flashlights.(Alliant Energy)
Food in the Fridge
- Keep the doors closed. A refrigerator keeps food safe for up to 4 hours.(USDA)
- A full freezer holds its temperature about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24.(USDA)
- After 4 hours without power, throw out perishables such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheese and leftovers. Never taste food to decide.(USDA)
- Thawed frozen food that still has ice crystals, or stayed at 40°F or below, can be refrozen.(USDA)
- MGE isn't responsible for food lost in an outage.(MGE)
Protecting the House
- Sump and well pumps stop when the power does. MGE suggests a backup power supply for either.(MGE)
- Surges: unplug sensitive electronics during an outage and use surge protectors.(MGE)
- Medical equipment: if someone in your home needs electric life-support equipment, have a backup plan. MGE asks customers to file its Medical Condition Certification form.(MGE) Alliant also recommends an alternate plan and power source.(Alliant Energy)
- Flooding: never enter a flooded basement while the power is on; see flooding and lake levels.(MGE)
Complaints
Start with the utility. If that doesn't resolve it, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin takes complaints online, by letter or at 1-800-225-7729 (608-266-2001), weekdays 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(PSC) For utility rates and bills, see our energy guides.
Questions
How do I report a power outage in Madison?
MGE customers can report online, text OUT to 73904, or call 608-252-7000. Alliant Energy customers report on Alliant's outage map (no login needed) or call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).
Is there an MGE outage map?
Yes. MGE's outage map shows current outages, and customers can sign up for text, email or phone alerts with an estimated restoration time.
Why is my power still out when my neighbors have theirs?
Call your utility: MGE asks you to call if your power stays out after your neighbors' comes back. If the service lines or equipment on your house were damaged, an electrician has to repair them before the utility can reconnect you.
How long is food safe in the fridge without power?
Up to 4 hours with the door closed, according to USDA. A full freezer holds about 48 hours (24 if half full).
Can I plug my generator into the house?
Not directly. Both MGE and Alliant warn that it can backfeed into the lines and injure or kill lineworkers. MGE says to have a licensed electrician install a UL-listed transfer switch, or plug appliances into the generator with outdoor-rated cords.