(509) 928-4540
Directions to Office
Although Modern provides highly reliable electric service, outages can occasionally occur due to severe weather, equipment failures, wildlife, vehicle accidents and other unexpected events. Use this page to report an outage, view current outages and stay informed throughout the restoration process.
⚠️ Before reporting an outage: Check your breakers (for electric service) or verify that your main water shutoff valve is open (for water service). Also make sure your account is current, as service interruptions due to nonpayment are not outages.
After-Hours Service Calls
Modern’s field operations hours are:
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Admin Only (New account setup and payments)
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
NOTE: If you request after-hours service and the issue is determined to be non-emergency or located on the customer’s side of the meter, an after-hours service charge may apply.
Outage FAQs / Safety Information
Why do outages happen?
Modern Electric Water Company works year-round to provide reliable electric and water service. While outages are uncommon, they can occur unexpectedly due to weather, equipment failures, wildlife, vehicle accidents or planned maintenance. Water outages may also occur because of water main breaks, equipment failures or necessary repairs to the water distribution system.
The most common causes of power outages include:
- 🐿 Wildlife: Squirrels account for nearly 45% of electric outages on Modern’s system.
- 🌬️ Severe weather: High winds, ice, snow and lightning can damage electric equipment.
- 🚗 Vehicle accidents: Vehicles striking utility poles can interrupt service.
- 🌳 Trees and vegetation: Falling trees and limbs can damage power lines during storms.
- ⚡ Equipment failures: Like any infrastructure, electrical equipment occasionally fails and must be repaired or replaced.
- 👷 Planned maintenance: Occasionally, planned outages are necessary to safely perform maintenance or system improvements.
The most common causes of water outages include:
- 💧 Water main breaks: Aging infrastructure, freezing temperatures or shifting ground can occasionally cause water main breaks that interrupt service.
- 🔧 Equipment failures: Pumps, valves and other equipment occasionally require repair or replacement.
- 👷 Planned maintenance: Water service may be temporarily interrupted while crews safely perform maintenance or improve the water system.
- 🚧 Construction damage: Excavation and other construction activities can accidentally damage underground water lines.
What should I do if my power or water goes out?
If you’ve lost electric service:
- Check whether your neighbors also have power.
- Check your breaker panel to see if a breaker has tripped.
- If only your home is affected, the issue may be on your side of the meter.
If you’ve lost water service:
- Confirm your main water shutoff valve is fully open.
- Ask nearby neighbors if they also have water service.
- If only your home is affected, the issue may be within your plumbing.
If you’ve confirmed the problem isn’t on your property, report the outage by calling or texting (877) 516-4540
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Always assume every downed power line is energized and dangerous.
- Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Never drive over or touch a downed power line.
- If a line falls on your vehicle, remain inside unless there is immediate danger, such as fire.
Call 9-1-1 immediately, then report the outage to Modern by calling or texting (877) 516-4540.
Can I use a power generator to get by until my power is restored?
Yes! Portable generators can be helpful during outages, but only when used safely.
- Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows or doors. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and be deadly.
- Never plug a generator directly into a household outlet (“backfeeding”), which can endanger utility crews and damage equipment.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.
- Keep generators dry and protected from rain.
How do I keep my food from spoiling during a power outage?
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- A closed refrigerator will generally keep food cold for about 4 hours.
- A full freezer can keep food frozen for approximately 48 hours (about 24 hours if it is half full).
- When in doubt, throw it out. Food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours should generally be discarded.
How does Modern restore service?
Every outage is different, but our crews follow a process designed to safely restore service to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible.
Electric Outages
- Assess the outage to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
- Dispatch crews with the equipment needed to safely make repairs.
- Restore major electrical equipment that serves the largest number of customers.
- Repair neighborhood lines and equipment to restore service to individual areas.
- Restore individual services if damage exists between the power line and a specific home or business.
Water Outages
- Assess the outage to determine the cause and location of the problem.
- Dispatch crews with the equipment needed to safely isolate and repair the damaged water main, valve or other system equipment.
- Repair or replace damaged infrastructure to restore the integrity of the water system.
- Flush and test the system as needed to help ensure water quality and verify the repair is complete.
- Restore water service to affected customers as quickly and safely as possible.
Safety is always our first priority throughout the restoration process.
When will my power or water be restored?
Estimated restoration times are based on the best information available at the time, and we will offer them when possible. However, estimates may not be available in the immediate aftermath of an outage. They may also change as crews assess damage and make repairs. Large storms or complex equipment damage can require additional time to restore service safely. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Modern Electric Water Company works year-round to provide reliable electric and water service. While outages are uncommon, they can occur unexpectedly due to weather, equipment failures, wildlife, vehicle accidents or planned maintenance. Water outages may also occur because of water main breaks, equipment failures or necessary repairs to the water distribution system.
The most common causes of power outages include:
- 🐿 Wildlife: Squirrels account for nearly 45% of electric outages on Modern’s system.
- 🌬️ Severe weather: High winds, ice, snow and lightning can damage electric equipment.
- 🚗 Vehicle accidents: Vehicles striking utility poles can interrupt service.
- 🌳 Trees and vegetation: Falling trees and limbs can damage power lines during storms.
- ⚡ Equipment failures: Like any infrastructure, electrical equipment occasionally fails and must be repaired or replaced.
- 👷 Planned maintenance: Occasionally, planned outages are necessary to safely perform maintenance or system improvements.
The most common causes of water outages include:
- 💧 Water main breaks: Aging infrastructure, freezing temperatures or shifting ground can occasionally cause water main breaks that interrupt service.
- 🔧 Equipment failures: Pumps, valves and other equipment occasionally require repair or replacement.
- 👷 Planned maintenance: Water service may be temporarily interrupted while crews safely perform maintenance or improve the water system.
- 🚧 Construction damage: Excavation and other construction activities can accidentally damage underground water lines.
If you’ve lost electric service:
- Check whether your neighbors also have power.
- Check your breaker panel to see if a breaker has tripped.
- If only your home is affected, the issue may be on your side of the meter.
If you’ve lost water service:
- Confirm your main water shutoff valve is fully open.
- Ask nearby neighbors if they also have water service.
- If only your home is affected, the issue may be within your plumbing.
If you’ve confirmed the problem isn’t on your property, report the outage by calling or texting (877) 516-4540
Always assume every downed power line is energized and dangerous.
- Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Never drive over or touch a downed power line.
- If a line falls on your vehicle, remain inside unless there is immediate danger, such as fire.
Call 9-1-1 immediately, then report the outage to Modern by calling or texting (877) 516-4540.
Yes! Portable generators can be helpful during outages, but only when used safely.
- Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows or doors. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and be deadly.
- Never plug a generator directly into a household outlet (“backfeeding”), which can endanger utility crews and damage equipment.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.
- Keep generators dry and protected from rain.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- A closed refrigerator will generally keep food cold for about 4 hours.
- A full freezer can keep food frozen for approximately 48 hours (about 24 hours if it is half full).
- When in doubt, throw it out. Food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours should generally be discarded.
Every outage is different, but our crews follow a process designed to safely restore service to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible.
Electric Outages
- Assess the outage to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
- Dispatch crews with the equipment needed to safely make repairs.
- Restore major electrical equipment that serves the largest number of customers.
- Repair neighborhood lines and equipment to restore service to individual areas.
- Restore individual services if damage exists between the power line and a specific home or business.
Water Outages
- Assess the outage to determine the cause and location of the problem.
- Dispatch crews with the equipment needed to safely isolate and repair the damaged water main, valve or other system equipment.
- Repair or replace damaged infrastructure to restore the integrity of the water system.
- Flush and test the system as needed to help ensure water quality and verify the repair is complete.
- Restore water service to affected customers as quickly and safely as possible.
Safety is always our first priority throughout the restoration process.
Estimated restoration times are based on the best information available at the time, and we will offer them when possible. However, estimates may not be available in the immediate aftermath of an outage. They may also change as crews assess damage and make repairs. Large storms or complex equipment damage can require additional time to restore service safely. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.