Houses on the same block may not be on the same power line. For example, during storms crews may be able to restore power on one line first but may have to wait to gain access to restore power on another line. We work as quickly as safety allows until everyone’s power is restored.
Power Outages FAQs
The red icons with numbers in the middle indicate the number and general area of customers affected, not the actual outage address. Clicking on the red icon will give you more detailed information, including estimated restoration time, if known.
Look for the red icon(s) in on the map above. Click on an icon and a box will pop up with more information about the outage in that area, including the estimated time the power will be restored.
Actually, approximately 50% of MW&L power lines are underground. To replace the remaining 50% would require MW&L to spend approximately $1 million per mile of the distribution system or between $150 million to $200 million in 2025 dollars, To bury the 11 miles of transmission lines we own would cost $50 million to $60 million. If we did this, it would drive rates up by at least 2 to 3 times what they currently are.
There are several reasons why power lines aren’t buried in more communities. (Data source is U.S. Department of Energy, “Undergrounding Transmission and Distribution Lines” report, 2024):
- Burying power lines is extremely expensive, roughly 3 to 10 times higher for new construction and 1.5 to 5 times higher for conversions.
- Outages tend to last longer with buried lines because it’s more difficult to locate the source of the outage and repair it.
- Underground lines also have generally shorter lifetimes than overhead, with estimates ranging from being 20-60% shorter (20-40 years compared to 30-50 years) for reasons including excessive heat buildup leading to degradation of cable insulating materials and susceptibility to moisture, which can result in corrosion.
- Underground lines can have environmental impacts and are susceptible to cable damage, particularly in earthquake-prone locations.
Read more of the U.S. Department of Energy report.
Anyone with necessary medical equipment should always have a contingency plan, including backup power, extra medical supplies, or an alternate location during an outage. MW&L cannot guarantee when electric service will be restored, or that certain accounts will be given priority over others.
This is the first thing everyone wants to know when their power goes out. But the answer usually isn't quick or easy. Keep in mind that each outage is different, and it takes time for crews to respond and figure out the problem -- and the solution -- and how long it will take to fix it. We update our website and social media with the answer as soon as we know it.
Your home may be served by a different substation, transformer, or line than your neighbor. Another reason could be that there may be damage at your home's electric service connection point, meter pole, service line, or other location on your property. Equipment on your house or business that is not owned by MW&L cannot be repaired by our crews.